Walmart worker stabbed to death inside store in ‘random’ attack, California cops say

A 65-year-old woman died in a “random” attack while working at a Walmart store, California sheriff’s officials told news outlets.

Deputies responding to a 911 call at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5, found Jessica Morales, of Menifee, with multiple stab wounds in the Lake Elsinore store, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

She was later pronounced dead at the scene, deputies said.

The attack took place inside the Walmart about an hour before it was scheduled to open, the Riverside Press-Enterprise reported.

Lonnie Hinton, 29, of Wildomar, later turned himself in at the sheriff’s station, deputies said. He faces a charge of murder.

Hinton was on parole after being released from prison on a previous robbery charge, deputies said.

“This appears to be a random event, and there was no interaction between the suspect and the victim prior to the assault,” deputies said in the release.

“We’re heartbroken by what has happened at our Lake Elsinore store,” a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement to KCAL. “We offer our condolences and support to the family during this difficult time.”

Investigators ask anyone with information to call 951–955–2777.

Lake Elsinore is about a 75-mile drive southeast from Los Angeles.