Overview
- Tyler Leibelt, 19, entered a not-guilty plea Wednesday to first-degree murder in the death of 73-year-old Rachell Summers and denied enhancement allegations, including use of a deadly weapon.
- Prosecutors say Leibelt told investigators he had long-standing homicidal 'fantasies' and that he traveled from a sober-living home to Cabrillo College, then to Capitola Mall where he bought two knives and attacked Summers.
- Investigators report Summers suffered more than 11 stab wounds to her back, chest and forearms, and authorities say Leibelt later called 911 to admit the killing and ask to turn himself in.
- Leibelt remains jailed without bail and will return to court Oct. 10 for preliminary-hearing scheduling while the community has held memorials and raised nearly $15,000 for Summers’ grandson.
- Court records show prior interventions including juvenile custody, short-term psychiatric stays and a November request for a gun-violence protective order, details that sharpen local questions about monitoring people who report violent ideation.