A California teenager accused of fatally stabbing a 73-year-old grandmother in a mall had a history of alleged violence and had previously expressed homicidal fantasies, according to authorities. Tyler Leibelt, 19, was out on bail for another felony case when he allegedly attacked Rachell Summers on July 20.
Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputies had sought a gun violence emergency protective order against Leibelt in November, stating he posed a serious danger and had expressed a desire to cause a mass casualty event. Court records also indicated Leibelt had disclosed homicidal fantasies and complained about being released from custody previously.
Authorities further alleged Leibelt has a history of violence, including a violent sexual assault against a disabled minor. Details of that allegation have not been publicly disclosed, and records may be limited due to his age at the time.
Prosecutors say Leibelt, a student at Cabrillo College, traveled by Uber to the college and then took a METRO bus to Capitola Mall with the stated intention of killing someone. He allegedly purchased two switchblade knives at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store, telling detectives he intended to use one in each hand. Investigators reported that Leibelt demonstrated stabbing motions with both hands during questioning.
Before allegedly attacking Summers, Leibelt reportedly considered targeting an elderly Asian man but decided against it, citing concerns about potential interference from passing cars and the man's potential to resist. He then allegedly followed Summers, who was walking to a bank after picking up her paycheck, waited until she was unaware, removed a knife from its packaging, and attacked her.
Summers, described as a longtime artist, writer, and gallery manager, was reportedly stabbed more than 11 times, sustaining wounds to her back and chest, as well as defensive injuries to her forearms. She had recently become a grandmother for the first time. Her family stated her passing has left a deep void.
Leibelt, a resident of Santa Cruz, was scheduled to appear in court on murder charges on Tuesday, but his hearing was postponed to Aug. 19. The delay comes amid heightened scrutiny regarding his release on bail for a previous felony charge. He is currently being held without bail.