Disturbing Update on Walmart Employee Butchered to Death Inside Superstore

California officials released the names of the Walmart employee who was butchered to death inside a superstore in a random attack and the suspect who is charged in the brutal slaying.

Authorities identified the victim of the Walmart killing as 65-year-old Jessica Morales, an employee and Menifee resident. Deputies discovered Morales with multiple stab wounds, and despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a shocking turn of events, 29-year-old Lonnie Hinton from Wildomar turned himself in at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s station and was arrested on suspicion of murder. Hinton, who had been released from state prison earlier this year for a robbery and was on parole at the time of the incident, is now in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.

Deputies responded to the business on the 29000 block of Central Avenue in Lake Elsinore around 7 a.m. to investigate the assault with a deadly weapon.

“This appears to be a random event, and there was no connection between the suspect and the victim prior to the assault,” stated the Sheriff’s Department in a release. “There are no outstanding suspects in this case. Due to an ongoing investigation, no additional details will be released.”

The Walmart Supercenter is located in a typical suburban shopping plaza along six-lane Central Avenue. The plaza includes a Cane’s Chicken restaurant, Taco Bell, and an Auto Zone. Across Central Avenue is another similar shopping center with a Lowe’s and numerous restaurants.

Newsweek reached out to the Walmart location and the main headquarters.

An employee at the Lake Elsinore location told Newsweek new information would be provided if it becomes available. And, has yet to respond after a follow-up.

Headquarters provided a statement.

“We’re heartbroken by what’s happened at our Lake Elsinore store,” Walmart headquarters told Newsweek. “The facility will remain closed as we work with police during their investigation. We offer our condolences and support to the family during this difficult time and will continue working with our associates, providing support as needed.”

The investigation is still ongoing.

Crime Rate in Lake Elsinore

The crime rate in Lake Elsinore is 27.88 per 1,000 residents annually. Residents typically regard the southeastern part of the city as the safest.

The likelihood of becoming a crime victim varies, with central neighborhoods having a chance as high as 1 in 22, while in the southern areas, it is as low as 1 in 46.

Regarding murder, the rate in Lake Elsinore is 0.0290 per 1,000 individuals. The probability of being a murder victim ranges from 1 in 32,373 in the western neighborhoods to 1 in 37,096 in the northeastern part of the city.

Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story and the ongoing investigation? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.