Hemet Man Faces Felony Charges In Winchester Man's Fatal Stabbing

HEMET, CA — Felony charges are expected to be filed Wednesday against a 60-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing a Winchester resident during an attack adjacent to an Inland Empire highway.

Joseph Henry Mokate of Hemet was arrested and booked into the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning Friday night on suspicion of murder with malice.

Mokate is being held without bail. His case was under review Tuesday by the Riverside County District Attorney's Office.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Lance Stoyer, shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday, the suspect and victim, 29-year-old Boris Stepanyuk, were involved in an unspecified confrontation along Highway 79, near Thompson Road, in Winchester.

Stoyer alleged that Mokate pulled a weapon and stabbed Stepanyuk at least once in the upper body, after which he apparently left.

Witnesses called 911, and patrol deputies and paramedics reached the location a short time later and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

Central Homicide Unit detectives took over the investigation and arrested Mokate the following day without incident in Palm Desert.

A possible motive for the alleged attack was not disclosed, and background information on the suspect was unavailable.