A California teen accused of stalking and killing a 73-year-old grandmother had already been on authorities’ radar as a potential threat months before prosecutors say he randomly hunted down his alleged victim.
Santa Cruz County sheriff’s deputies sought a gun violence emergency protective order 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 Leibelt had a history of violence, stating: “Tyler has multiple instances of violence toward others, including a violent sexual assault against a disabled minor.”
That allegation has not been publicly detailed, and records may be limited because it could have occurred while Leibelt was a juvenile, when court files are typically shielded.
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.
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 “done deal” that he was going to kill someone, turned off his cellphone to avoid interruptions and boarded a METRO bus to Capitola Mall to find a victim.
Authorities say he stopped at Big 5 Sporting Goods, where he purchased two switchblade knives.
According to prosecutors, Leibelt later told detectives he bought two blades because he wanted to hold one in each hand while killing someone.
Investigators say he demonstrated stabbing motions with both hands during questioning.
Before allegedly attacking Summers, prosecutors say Leibelt considered targeting an elderly Asian man but decided against it because passing cars could interfere and he believed the man might resist.
Authorities allege Leibelt then chose Summers, followed her while keeping a knife hidden, waited until she was unaware of him, removed the weapon from 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 gallery manager at Art of Santa Cruz had recently celebrated becoming a grandmother for the first time.
Her family said, “Her passing has left a deep void in the lives of everyone 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 injuries to her forearms.
Leibelt allegedly told investigators he heard Summers scream, “Help me.”
After his arrest, prosecutors stated that Leibelt, a Santa Cruz resident, admitted to experiencing homicidal thoughts and fantasies about killing someone since puberty.
Leibelt, 19, was scheduled to appear in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on murder charges Tuesday, but his court-appointed public defender requested another postponement, moving the hearing to Aug. 19.
The delay comes as scrutiny intensifies over why Leibelt was free on bail in another felony case when prosecutors say he allegedly set out to kill a stranger.
At Tuesday’s hearing, the judge also granted a defense request barring media from photographing or recording video of Leibelt until further notice.
He remains jailed without bail.
