A 19-year-old man has been charged with murder in the daylight stabbing of Rachell Summers, a 73-year-old art gallery manager in Santa Cruz County, California. Investigators are treating the incident as a random act of violence.
Tyler Leibelt, who has not yet entered a plea, faces charges of murder while lying in wait and using a deadly weapon. Court records indicate that prosecutors allege Leibelt purchased knives shortly before attacking Summers outside Capitola Mall on Monday. He is accused of considering multiple potential victims before targeting Summers, who managed the Art of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit gallery within the mall.
Summers had gone to the gallery to retrieve a check and was on her way to the bank when the alleged attack occurred. According to charging documents, Leibelt ran up behind her and stabbed her multiple times in the back, forearms, and chest. He then fled into the mall, leaving a trail of blood, and discarded a knife.
Leibelt reportedly went to a nearby gas station, purchased a drink, and then called 911 to confess to the killing. During an interview with investigators, Leibelt allegedly stated he purchased two knives intending to hold one in each hand. He is said to have gestured stabbing motions with both hands.
Investigators have found no evidence to suggest Leibelt knew Summers prior to the attack, and the motive remains unclear. Leibelt reportedly told police he had been experiencing “homicidal fantasies for awhile” and claimed he had previously disclosed these to authorities but was “kept getting let out of custody.”
Prosecutors noted that a gun violence restraining order was issued against Leibelt in November of the previous year. During the incident that led to the restraining order, he allegedly expressed a desire to cause a “mass casualty event” and wrote a letter indicating a wish to kill as many people as possible.
Summers, a published author, had recently become a grandmother and was working on an illustrated children's book. Her family described her as a loving grandmother, mother, and friend who was devoted to her community and dreamt of a bright future for her grandson.
A GoFundMe campaign established to fund an educational savings account for Summers' grandson has already raised over $8,800. The funds are intended to provide the child with educational opportunities, honoring Summers' values.
Leibelt's arraignment has been continued to July 29, and he is being held without bail. A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles has been placed outside the mall. Capitola Mayor Margaux Morgan offered condolences to Summers' family and friends and affirmed the community's commitment to safety.