In a shocking incident underscoring the unpredictable nature of violence today, a dedicated art gallery manager from California, who was also working on an illustrated children’s book, met a tragic end.
Rachell Summers, aged 73, was viciously stabbed 11 times in broad daylight at Capitola Mall in Santa Cruz County this past Monday. Investigators have since categorized this harrowing incident as a random act of aggression.
The alleged assailant, 19-year-old Tyler Leibelt, faces charges of murder with special circumstances, including lying in wait and wielding a deadly weapon, as indicated by court records. Notably, Liebelt has yet to submit a plea in this case.
Prosecutors present a disturbing picture, contending that before heading to the mall, Leibelt had premeditated the act of killing. They argue that he purchased knives mere minutes before perpetrating the murder.
Charging documents, referenced by ABC 7, suggest that Summers was not initially targeted but rather chosen by Leibelt only after he had considered several other potential victims.
Summers managed the Art of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit gallery situated inside the mall.
She had gone to the gallery to pick up a check and was walking to the bank when Leibelt allegedly attacked her.
Summers, who was also a published author, became a grandmother for the first time last year and had been working on a children’s book at the time of her death.
Rachell Summers, 73, was stabbed 11 times outside Capitola Mall in Santa Cruz County, California on Monday in what investigators have called a random act of violence
Tyler Leibelt, 19, has been charged with murder while lying in wait and using a deadly weapon, court records show. He has not entered a plea
‘Her passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone who loved her, especially her grandson,’ her loved ones wrote in a GoFundMe campaign.
‘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.’
Summers ‘dreamt of a bright future’ for the young boy and ‘hoped to see him pursue his education,’ according to the fundraiser.
The campaign, which has already raised more than $8,800, will be used to fund a 529 educational savings account for the child.
‘This support will help ensure that, despite the pain and uncertainty he faces, he will have the opportunity to follow his dreams and access the education Rachell so deeply valued,’ the GoFundMe read.
Leibelt ran up to Summers outside the mall and stabbed her from behind, the court document said.
Summers was ‘stabbed multiple times in her back, defensive stab wounds to her forearms, and stab wounds to her center chest, more than 11 total,’ prosecutors alleged in the filing.
The 19-year-old ran into the mall, leaving a trail of the grandmother’s blood behind him. Prosecutors say he also discarded a knife.
Summers managed the Art of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit gallery situated inside the mall. She had gone to the gallery to pick up a check and was walking to the bank when Leibelt allegedly attacked her
Summers was ‘stabbed multiple times in her back, defensive stab wounds to her forearms, and stab wounds to her center chest, more than 11 total,’ prosecutors alleged
He then went to a nearby gas station, purchased a beverage, and called 911 to confess to the slaying and surrender to police, the documents said.
Leibelt told police that ‘he purchased two knives so that he could hold one in each hand as he was killing someone,’ the court filing says.
He gestured stabbing with both of his hands during the interview with investigators.
Investigators have found nothing to suggest that Leibelt knew Summers before he targeted her in the deadly attack. It is also unclear why he chose her as his victim.
Leibelt told police that he had been suffering from ‘homicidal fantasies for awhile’ and claimed he had ‘previously disclosed these fantasies but he ‘kept getting let out’ of custody,’ according to the filing.
Prosecutors noted that a gun violence restraining order was issued against the alleged killer in November last year.
He allegedly told sheriff’s deputies during that incident that he ‘expressed a desire to cause a mass casualty event,’ the court document said.
He also allegedly ‘wrote a goodbye letter expressing a desire to kill as many people as possible.’
Summers, who was also a published author, became a grandmother for the first time last year and had been working on a children’s book at the time of her death
Leibelt appeared in court Wednesday for his arraignment, which has been continued until July 29, records show. He is being held without bail.
Summers’ family and the local arts community were her world, her co-worker Marilyn Gwynn told KSBW.
‘She gave by putting her energy, you know, into the store and into the artists and helping us run the store, and that was selfless in a way,’ Gwynn said.
‘She didn’t have to do that at 73. You know, she was contributing to us, to our organization, and we will miss her.’
A makeshift memorial with flowers and candles has been set up outside the mall.
Capitola Mayor Margaux Morgan also issued her condolences to the Summers’ grieving family and friends.
Morgan also vowed to keep the community safe despite the horrific stabbing.
‘This isn’t Capitola,’ she said. ‘We will rise above this, we will move forward and not forget this … and we really want to make sure that everybody still feels safe.’