Teen allegedly fatally stabbed elderly woman because he wanted to kill someone that day

CAPITOLA, Calif. (TCN) -- A 73-year-old woman was fatally stabbed outside a mall in what police are calling a random attack.  

On July 20, Rachell Summers went to the Capitola Mall to pick up a check, SFGate reports. She worked as the manager of Art of Santa Cruz, a shop that sells pieces by local artists. She left the mall after getting her check and was stabbed multiple times right outside the exit.

Police responded to the scene and began lifesaving measures until paramedics arrived, KTLA reports. Despite their efforts, Summers was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police located the suspect, 19-year-old accounting student Tyler Leibelt, near the mall, and took him into custody without incident, per SFGate. He allegedly told police he did not know Summers but wanted to kill someone that day and considered several others before deciding on Summers.

Court documents obtained by KRON state Leibelt has a juvenile criminal record. Last November, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office filed a gun violence restraining order against him, forbidding him to purchase firearms.

KRON reports that a deputy wrote, “Tyler Leibelt has expressed a desire to cause a mass casualty event. Tyler also wrote a goodbye letter expressing a desire to kill as many people as possible. Additionally, Tyler has multiple (instances) of violence towards others, including a violent sexual assault against a disabled minor.”

According to Capitola police, Leibelt allegedly bought two knives from a store near the mall right before the stabbing attack on Summers, KRON reports. 

According to a GoFundMe page set up by a Summers family friend, “Her passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone who loved her, especially her grandson. Rachell became a grandmother for the very first time last year, and her only grandchild will soon be celebrating his first birthday. Rachell was a loving and devoted grandmother, mom, and friend who loved her community.”

Leibelt was charged with first-degree murder and booked into jail without bail, per KRON. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 29 to enter a plea. 

The investigation is ongoing.

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