The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the homicide of a woman who was brutally stabbed to death inside a Walmart Superstore on Monday morning.
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.
A witness told police a female was stabbed at the location by a Black man. The suspect is now in custody.
Medical aid was given to the victim, however, she was pronounced dead.
The sheriff’s office told Newsweek the victim was a Walmart employee. However, no additional details about the suspect or victim, including their names, are available at this time.
Newsweek also 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, 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 remains ongoing.
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 and stores along the high-traffic road.
About Riverside County
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, which is conducting the investigation, serves the fourth largest county in California which has a population and the 10th-largest by area in the United States. The department employs about 2,200 sworn officers.
Riverside County is approximately 7,303 square miles in size, making it one of the largest counties in the state. As of the most recent estimates in 2023, the population is around 2.6 million people.
Lake Elsinore is a city in Riverside County situated in the southwestern part of the state. It is nestled in the Elsinore Valley and is part of the Inland Empire metropolitan area.
Founded in 1888, Lake Elsinore has a rich history that includes its use as a resort destination in the early 20th century. The natural freshwater lake, after which the city is named, has been a central attraction for recreational activities and tourism.
The city is known for its scenic reservoir which spans about 3,000 acres and is one of the largest natural freshwater lakes in Southern California. The lake is surrounded by the Santa Ana Mountains to the west and the Temescal Mountains to the east, offering scenic views and outdoor activities.
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