A California grandmother, whose heart swelled with dreams of witnessing her infant grandson’s milestones, met a tragic end at the hands of a 19-year-old. Prosecutors assert that the young assailant harbored a long-standing obsession with taking a life, despite being out on bail when he allegedly committed this brutal act.
The horrific murder has sparked renewed outrage over the state’s management of repeat offenders. Meanwhile, the devastated family of esteemed artist and writer Rachell Summers is seeking community support to secure a bright future for her one and only grandchild—a future she will never witness.
“On Monday, our best friend’s mom, Rachell Summers, was tragically taken from us in a senseless outburst of violence,” the family conveys through their GoFundMe page.
“Her death has left an enormous void in the hearts of everyone who cherished her, especially her beloved grandson.”
At 73, Summers had joyously embraced the role of a grandmother for the first time just last year. Her grandchild, now nearing his first birthday, will reach this tender milestone without her presence—a heart-wrenching reality she will never experience.
“She dreamt of a bright future for her grandchild and hoped to see him pursue his education,” the fundraiser says.
Her loved ones are now trying to build the future she envisioned by creating a 529 college fund in his name.
“All funds raised through this campaign will go directly into a 529 college fund for Rachell’s grandchild,” the family wrote. “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.”
“Please join us in honoring Rachell’s memory and supporting her grandson’s future,” the fundraiser continues.
The campaign had set a goal of $7,000 and was more than half way to there as of Friday evening.
According to court documents, the man accused of killing Summers had every opportunity to be behind bars instead of roaming free.
Tyler Leibelt, 19, was already out on bail awaiting trial in another felony case and was living in a sober living environment when prosecutors say he decided Monday that he was going to kill a complete stranger.
Authorities allege Leibelt took an Uber to Cabrillo College, where he is an accounting student, and while sitting in the cafeteria felt a long-standing “desire to kill someone.”
Investigators say he later admitted it was a “done deal” that he was going to murder someone after turning off his cellphone because he did not want to be interrupted.
He then allegedly boarded a METRO bus to Capitola Mall, searching for a victim before walking into a Big 5 Sporting Goods store and purchasing two switchblade knives.
According to prosecutors, Leibelt told detectives he bought two knives because he wanted to hold one in each hand while killing someone.
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Investigators said he later demonstrated stabbing motions with both hands during questioning.
Court records also state Leibelt had previously disclosed homicidal “fantasies” and complained that he “kept getting let out” of custody, revelations that are likely to intensify criticism from those who argue California’s criminal justice system is too quick to release dangerous offenders.
Before allegedly targeting Summers, Leibelt considered attacking an elderly Asian man but decided against it because there were too many passing cars and he believed the man might put up too much of a fight, prosecutors said.
He then allegedly walked in a semicircle around Summers with a concealed knife, allowed her to get ahead so she would not realize she was being followed, removed the weapon from its packaging and sprinted after the unsuspecting grandmother.
Summers was stabbed more than 11 times, suffering wounds to her back and chest along with defensive injuries to her forearms.
Prosecutors say Leibelt told detectives he heard the terrified 73-year-old cry out, “Help me.”
The killing has devastated the Santa Cruz arts community, where Summers spent seven years as gallery manager of Art of Santa Cruz.
Leibelt remains jailed without bail.
His arraignment was delayed until July 29 at the request of his attorneys.