A California grandmother who had been looking forward to watching her infant grandson grow up was allegedly targeted and killed by a 19-year-old man prosecutors say had long harbored fantasies about murder — and who was already out on bail at the time of the brutal attack.
The killing has renewed anger over California’s treatment of repeat offenders, while the family of Rachell Summers — a cherished artist and writer — is asking the public to help secure the future of the only grandchild she will never get to see grow older.
“On Monday, our best friend’s mom, Rachell Summers, tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence,” the family wrote on a GoFundMe page created in her memory.
“Her passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone who loved her, especially her grandson.”
Summers, 73, had become a grandmother for the first time last year. Her grandson, her only grandchild, is now nearing his first birthday — a milestone she had hoped to celebrate with him.
“She dreamt of a bright future for her grandchild and hoped to see him pursue his education,” the fundraiser says.
In the wake of her death, Summers’ loved ones are working to preserve that dream by establishing a 529 college fund for the child.
“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 halfway 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.
