Suspect in California mall stabbing had homicidal ‘fantasies’ before attack

A California teenager accused of stalking and killing a 73-year-old grandmother had been on authorities’ radar as a potential threat for months before prosecutors said he randomly hunted his alleged victim.

Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputies sought an emergency gun violence warrant against Tyler Leibelt in November after concluding he posed a serious danger.

Deputies wrote in the filing that Leibelt had “expressed a desire to cause a mass casualty event.”

Authorities also alleged that Leibelt had a history of violence, stating: “Tyler has multiple incidents of violence against others, including a violent assault on a disabled minor.”

That allegation has not been publicly detailed and the data may be limited because the events could have occurred when Leibelt was a minor, while court records are typically shielded.

Court records also show that Leibelt previously revealed murderous “fantasies” and complained that he “kept being released” from custody, a comment expected to increase criticism of his release while he faced 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.

Investigators allege Leibelt’s deadly plan unfolded after he traveled by Uber to Cabrillo College, where he was an accounting student.

Prosecutors say he decided it was a “foregone conclusion” that he was going to kill someone, turned off his cell phone to avoid interruptions and boarded a METRO bus to Capitola Mall to find a victim.

Authorities say he stopped by Big 5 Sporting Goods, where he purchased two switchblade knives.

According to prosecutors, Leibelt later told investigators he bought two knives because he wanted to hold one in each hand while he killed someone.

Investigators say he showed stabbing movements with both hands during the interrogation.

Before attacking Summers, prosecutors say Leibelt considered targeting an older Asian man but decided against it because passing cars might interfere and he believed the man might resist.

Authorities allege Leibelt then chose Summers, followed her while she concealed a knife, waited until she wasn’t noticing him, took the gun out of its packaging and rushed toward her.

Summers was walking to a nearby bank after picking up her paycheck when she was attacked at 12:44 p.m

The longtime artist, writer and Art of Santa Cruz gallery manager recently celebrated becoming a grandmother for the first time.

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Her family said: “Her death has left a deep void in the lives of all who loved her, especially her grandson.”

Prosecutors allege she was stabbed more than 11 times, suffering wounds to her back and chest, along with defensive wounds to her forearms.

Leibelt allegedly told investigators he heard Summers yelling, “Help me.”

After his arrest, prosecutors said Leibelt, a Santa Cruz resident, admitted to having homicidal thoughts and fantasies about killing someone since puberty.

Leibelt, 19, was scheduled to appear in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on Tuesday on murder charges, but his court-appointed public defender requested another postponement, moving the hearing to Aug. 19.

The delay comes as the investigation intensifies into why Leibelt was out on bail in another felony case when prosecutors say he planned to kill a stranger.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the judge also granted a defense request barring the media from taking photos or videos of Leibelt until further notice.

He remains jailed without bail.