{"id":412592,"date":"2026-07-26T03:57:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-26T03:57:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/412592\/"},"modified":"2026-07-26T03:57:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-26T03:57:29","slug":"new-details-emerge-in-fatal-santa-cruz-mall-stabbing-of-grandmother","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/412592\/","title":{"rendered":"New details emerge in fatal Santa Cruz mall stabbing of grandmother"},"content":{"rendered":"

A California grandmother, who dreamed of watching her baby grandson grow up, was allegedly hunted down and butchered by a 19-year-old<\/a> who prosecutors say had long fantasized about killing, despite already being free on bail when he carried out the savage attack.<\/p>\n

Now, as the horrific slaying<\/a> reignites outrage over California\u2019s handling of repeat offenders<\/a>, the grieving family of beloved artist and writer Rachell Summers is pleading with the public to help give her only grandchild the future she will never get to see.<\/p>\n

Summers, 73, had become a grandmother for the first time last year. gofundme<\/p>\n

\u201cOn Monday, our best friend\u2019s mom, Rachell Summers, tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence,\u201d the family\u2019s GoFundMe <\/a>says.<\/p>\n

\u201cHer passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone who loved her, especially her grandson.\u201d<\/p>\n

Summers, 73, had become a grandmother for the first time last year. Her only grandchild is now approaching his first birthday, a milestone she will never see.<\/p>\n

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\u201cShe dreamt of a bright future for her grandchild and hoped to see him pursue his education,\u201d the fundraiser says.<\/p>\n

Her loved ones are now trying to build the future she envisioned by creating a 529 college fund in his name.<\/p>\n

Investigators say he later admitted it was a \u201cdone deal.\u201d gofundme<\/p>\n

Rachell Summers, a 73-year-old artist, smiles outdoors. gofundme<\/p>\n

\u201cAll funds raised through this campaign will go directly into a 529 college fund for Rachell\u2019s grandchild,\u201d the family wrote. \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease join us in honoring Rachell\u2019s memory and supporting her grandson\u2019s future,\u201d the fundraiser continues.<\/p>\n

Summers tragically lost her life in a senseless act of violence. gofundme<\/p>\n

The campaign had set a goal of $7,000 and was more than halfway there as of Friday evening.<\/p>\n

According to court documents, the man accused of killing Summers had every opportunity to be behind bars instead of roaming free.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Her only grandchild is now approaching his first birthday, a milestone she will never see. Facebook\/Capitola Police Department<\/p>\n

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 \u201cdesire to kill someone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Investigators say he later admitted it was a \u201cdone deal\u201d that he was going to murder someone after turning off his cellphone because he did not want to be interrupted.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

According to prosecutors, Leibelt told detectives he bought two knives because he wanted to hold one in each hand while killing someone.<\/p>\n

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He then allegedly boarded a METRO bus to Capitola Mall.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Investigators said he later demonstrated stabbing motions with both hands during questioning.<\/p>\n

Court records also state Leibelt had previously disclosed homicidal \u201cfantasies\u201d and complained that he \u201ckept getting let out\u201d of custody, revelations that are likely to intensify criticism from those who argue California\u2019s criminal justice system is too quick to release dangerous offenders.<\/p>\n

He later demonstrated stabbing motions with both hands. gofundme<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Leibelt told detectives he bought two knives. gofundme<\/p>\n

Summers was stabbed more than 11 times, suffering wounds to her back and chest along with defensive injuries to her forearms. <\/p>\n

Prosecutors say Leibelt told detectives he heard the terrified 73-year-old cry out, \u201cHelp me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The killing has devastated the Santa Cruz arts community, where Summers spent seven years as gallery manager of Art of Santa Cruz.<\/p>\n

Leibelt remains jailed without bail.<\/p>\n

His arraignment was delayed until July 29 at the request of his attorneys.<\/p>\n

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