A 73-year-old grandmother, Rachell Summers, was allegedly killed in a stabbing outside a Capitola mall, with prosecutors stating the suspect, 19-year-old Tyler Leibelt, was on bail for a previous felony case. Leibelt allegedly had long-standing fantasies about killing and reportedly admitted he was determined to murder a stranger.
According to court documents, Leibelt allegedly took an Uber to Cabrillo College and, while in the cafeteria, decided he was going to kill someone. He is said to have turned off his cellphone to avoid interruption before boarding a METRO bus to Capitola Mall. Investigators allege he purchased two switchblade knives at a Big 5 Sporting Goods store, stating he wanted to use one in each hand. He then reportedly followed Summers, stabbing her multiple times in the back and chest, with her sustaining defensive wounds on her forearms. Prosecutors said Leibelt told detectives he heard Summers cry out for help.
The incident has reignited concerns about California's criminal justice system and its handling of repeat offenders. Court records reportedly indicate Leibelt had previously expressed homicidal fantasies and complained about being released from custody.
Summers, an artist and writer, had become a grandmother for the first time the previous year. Her family has established a GoFundMe campaign to create a 529 college fund for her grandson, aiming to fulfill her dream of seeing him pursue higher education. The campaign's goal was $7,000 and had already surpassed more than half of that amount by Friday evening.
Leibelt is currently jailed without bail. His arraignment has been postponed to July 29 at the request of his defense attorneys.