Background: Tyler Leibelt (center, wearing a jumpsuit) is escorted by police officers (Capitola Police Department). Inset: Rachell Summers (GoFundMe).
A California woman who had only recently welcomed her first grandchild was killed after returning to the mall shop where she worked to collect her paycheck, authorities said.
Tyler Leibelt, 19, was arrested July 21 in the death of 73-year-old Rachell Summers. The Capitola Police Department described the July 20 stabbing as a “random act of violence.” According to court records obtained by local NBC affiliate KSBW, investigators said Leibelt admitted to the attack and allegedly told police Summers had not been the first person he considered targeting.
Authorities said Leibelt arrived at Capitola Mall that day intending to kill someone.
Summers managed Art of Santa Cruz, a nonprofit retail space that showcased and supported local artists, KSBW reported. Loved ones said she had recently become a grandmother, a milestone that brought her tremendous joy. A GoFundMe organized by friends and family said she “dreamt of a bright future for her grandchild and hoped to see him pursue his education.”
Leibelt has been charged with first-degree murder and remains held without bail at the Santa Cruz County Jail. He is due back in court on July 29.
The post about the 73-year-old store manager who was fatally stabbed after leaving the mall to cash her paycheck by a 19-year-old who police say wanted to kill someone that day first appeared on Law & Crime.
