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Lake Elsinore, CA – A tragic incident unfolded on the morning of August 5, 2024, when deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon at a business on the 29000 block of Central Avenue. Upon arrival at approximately 7:00 a.m., deputies discovered Jessica Morales, a 65-year-old employee from Menifee, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite immediate medical aid, Morales was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as Lonnie Hinton, 29, from Wildomar, later turned himself in at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station. Hinton, who was on active parole after being released from state prison earlier this year for robbery, was arrested and charged with murder. He has been booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
Investigators have determined that the attack was random, with no prior interaction between Hinton and Morales. There are no additional suspects in connection with this case. Due to the ongoing investigation, authorities have not released further details.
Jessica Morales was a valued employee at Walmart, where she worked for over 25 years. A coworker, who wished to remain anonymous, described her as a loving mother and supportive friend, stating, “She was a really good person. Great friend. Everybody loved her. You’re here to work and try to help customers, not for you to be stabbed or insulted, you know? You want to be safe where you work, and you’re not.”
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information about the incident to contact Investigator K. Farag or Investigator D. Robertson of the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.
