CRESCENT CITY, FL – A 54-year-old man is facing a first-degree murder charge after authorities say he fatally stabbed a woman in a Dollar General parking lot on Friday in what appears to be a random attack.

Deputies responded to the scene in Crescent City Friday afternoon, where they found 36-year-old Cheyenne Kastens suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officials say the assault occurred just moments after Kastens had left the store. Despite emergency efforts, including CPR at the scene and rapid transport to a nearby medical facility, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Investigators say there was no indication Kastens and the suspect, Lemar Beasley, had any prior interaction inside the store, nor did they know each other before the incident. Surveillance footage and witness statements led deputies to determine that Kastens was targeted as she approached her vehicle, with no apparent motive.

After the stabbing, Beasley fled, prompting a search that involved law enforcement from across Putnam County. The manhunt stretched into Saturday, when deputies located Beasley in a camper on Huntington Shortcut Road, about seven miles from where the crime took place. He was taken into custody without incident.

Detectives recovered a knife believed to have been used in the attack. They described the incident as unprovoked and shocking to the small south Putnam community.

Records show Beasley has an extensive criminal history over the past 30 years. Court documents also list him as a registered sex offender. He was released from prison just last July after serving a sentence for failing to register properly.

The sheriff’s office expressed condolences to Kastens’ family, pledging a thorough prosecution and commitment to community safety. Officials also addressed the senselessness of the crime and its impact on residents, emphasizing the importance of ensuring justice for Kastens.

Beasley’s arrest has renewed concerns among Crescent City residents about public safety and the supervision of repeat offenders. The case remains under active investigation as authorities in Crescent City work to piece together the events leading up to the attack.

Authorities said Beasley is currently being held at the Putnam County Jail without bond. Further proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.