Teen accused of butchering beloved artist in mall attack that shocked quiet California beach town enters stunning plea

A California teen accused of brutally stabbing a 73-year-old grandmother allegedly had a chilling urge to kill before the deadly mall attack.

Tyler Leibelt, 19, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges stemming from the July stabbing death of Rachell Summers — a brand new grandmother — outside the Capitola Mall in Northern California.

Leibelt is charged with felony first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon in connection with the killing.

A mugshot of Tyler Leibelt released by the Santa Cruz Police Department. Santa Cruz PD
Friends and family are raising money for a 529 college fund to support the infant grandson of Rachell Summers, a 73-year-old Capitola artist who was fatally stabbed at Capitola Mall on July 20, 2026. gofundme
The incident took place outside of Capitola Mall in Capitola, CA.

The Santa Cruz resident was a student at Cabrillo College when the alleged attack unfolded. Investigators say Leibelt traveled to the college by Uber before suddenly feeling an urge to kill someone.

He allegedly shut off his cellphone and boarded a METRO bus bound for Capitola Mall, where he went into Big 5 Sporting Goods and bought two switchblade knives.

The teen allegedly considered attacking an elderly Asian man before turning his attention to Summers, who was caught off guard.

He allegedly stabbed the 73-year-old more than 11 times, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.

Capitola Mall reopened for business on Tuesday, July 20, 2026, in Capitola. Capitola police locked down the mall on Monday while investigating a deadly stabbing of 73-year-old Rachell Summers, which authorities believe was a random act of violence. Facebook/Capitola Police Department

Leibelt also allegedly thought about killing multiple people and robbing a Macy’s at the mall before ultimately attacking Summers.

Authorities had previously expressed concerns about Leibelt’s alleged violent intentions.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department sought a gun violence emergency protective order against the teen in November after expressing a “desire to cause a mass casualty event.”

Court records also state Leibelt previously disclosed homicidal “fantasies” and complained that he “kept getting let out” of custody, a remark expected to intensify criticism over his release while facing another felony case.

Prosecutors say Leibelt was awaiting trial in another felony case and living in a sober living environment when Rachell Summers was killed on July 20.

Friends and family are honoring Rachell Summers, a 73-year-old Capitola artist who was fatally stabbed at Capitola Mall on July 20, 2026, by raising money for a college fund to support her infant grandson. gofundme
Friends and family honor Rachell Summers, the 73-year-old Capitola artist who was fatally stabbed at Capitola Mall on July 20, 2026, by raising money for a 529 college fund to support her infant grandson’s future. gofundme

Summers was a gallery manager at Art of Santa Cruz and had become a grandmother for the first time just last year.

“Her passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone who loved her, especially her grandson. Rachell became a grandmother for the very first time last year, and her only grandchild will soon be celebrating his first birthday,” a GoFundMe set up for Summers stated.

A GoFundMe was set up for Summers. gofundme

Leibelt remains in custody at Santa Cruz County Jail without bail.

He is scheduled to return to court Oct. 10 for the setting of his preliminary hearing.

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