Beloved artist stabbed, killed in ‘random’ beach town daytime attack as police arrest 19-year-old suspect
Police are investigating a "random" attack where a woman was stabbed to death in the parking lot of a shopping mall in a California beach town.
Rachell Summers, 73, from Capitola, was discovered with multiple stab wounds outside the food court of the Capitola Mall; it happened just before 1 p.m. Monday.
The mall is located a little more than a mile from Capitola Beach, a popular beach resort in the Santa Cruz area.
The Capitola Police Department announced suspect Tyler Leibelt, 19, was arrested on charges related to the knife attack.
Police said, "Based on the investigation, detectives continue to believe this was a random act of violence, and there is no indication that the suspect knew the victim prior to the attack."
According to court records, Leibelt is charged with murder, among other felonies.
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One of the charges listed, "PC667.5(C)-ENH-VIOLENT FELONY ALLEGATION" or California Penal Code 667.5, which reveals the suspect may have been charged in a previous felony case.
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That means Leibelt, if convicted in this case, may be subject to substantially longer incarceration times and stricter rules.
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As for the victim, Summers was a local artist who managed the Art of Santa Cruz art gallery, which is now closed for the remainder of the week, the New York Post reports.
"Our hearts remain with Rachell's family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic and senseless act of violence," the police department said in a social post.
The investigation is ongoing.
