Woman Fatally Stabbed At Bay Area Mall In Random Attack: Police

CAPITOLA, CA — A 73-year-old Capitola woman was fatally stabbed near the Capitola Mall on Monday afternoon in what investigators believe was a random attack, police said.

Capitola police responded around 12:47 p.m. to reports of a stabbing near the mall's food court exit. Officers arrived within minutes and found Rachell Summers, 73, of Capitola, suffering from multiple stab wounds on Clares Street across from the Macy's west exit.

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Officers began life-saving measures until Central Fire personnel and American Medical Response crews arrived, but Summers died at the scene, police said.

Police arrested 19-year-old Tyler Leibelt, of Santa Cruz, in the 1400 block of 41st Avenue shortly after the attack, according to authorities.

Detectives continue to believe the stabbing was a random act of violence and said there is no indication Leibelt knew Summers before the attack.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff-Coroner's Office identified Summers on Tuesday after notifying her family.

"Our hearts remain with Rachell's family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic and senseless act of violence," Capitola Police Chief Sarah Ryan said in an update Tuesday.

The Capitola Police Department is continuing to investigate the case with assistance from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Forensic Services Unit, the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office and the Santa Cruz Anti-Crime Team. Additional assistance at the scene was provided by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office, California Highway Patrol, Santa Cruz Police Department, Watsonville Police Department and California State Parks.

Police said the attack was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the attack or has photos, video or other information that could assist the investigation to contact the Capitola Police Department at 831-475-4242.

The investigation remains ongoing.