In Putnam County, Florida, a murder charge has been formally brought against the suspect in a fatal stabbing incident outside a Dollar General store.

This past Monday, the Putnam County Grand Jury indicted 54-year-old Lemar Beasley on a charge of first-degree murder.

According to reports, Beasley allegedly launched a vicious attack on 36-year-old Cheyenne Kastens near her vehicle in the store’s parking lot. The State Attorney’s Office disclosed that Kastens suffered more than 40 stab wounds and succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Authorities from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office noted that there seemed to be no prior interaction or relationship between Kastens and Beasley before the assault.

Following the incident, Beasley reportedly fled on foot and was later apprehended in a camper located on Huntington Shortcut Road.

“No words can bring back the irreparable harm to Ms. Kastens’ family and friends caused at the hands of a stone-cold killer,” Sheriff H.D.  ‘Gator’ DeLoach said. “However, I hope they can take solace in knowing the intent to hold Lemar Beasley accountable for his actions.”

The next step for Beasley is an arraignment, during which he will enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

The suspect is a convicted sex offender who had been released from prison in July for failing to comply with registered offender requirements. In the 1990s, he was convicted of several offenses including false imprisonment, attempted murder and sexual battery.

“Like many in our community, I am frustrated that this career criminal was able to walk freely despite numerous arrests over decades, court cases and felony charges,” said Sheriff DeLoach. “We continue to work with Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney R.J. Larizza’s office to ensure he never leaves the glow of artificial light in a prison cell and we hope that the death penalty will be pursued in this case. This indictment is the first step in a permanent resolution for Lemar Beasley and all of the victims he has terrorized in our community since the 1990s.”