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

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Key points

• He allegedly stabbed the 73-year-old more than 11 times, according to the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
• 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.
• He allegedly shut off his cellphone and boarded a METRO bus bound for Capitola Mall, where he went into Major 5 Sporting Goods and purchased two switchblade knives.
• The Santa Cruz resident was a student at Cabrillo College when the alleged attack unfolded.
• Summers was a gallery manager at Art of Santa Cruz and had become a grandmother for the first time just last year.

In practice, 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 employ of a deadly weapon in connection with the killing.

Meanwhile, 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.

Meanwhile, the teen allegedly considered attacking an elderly Asian man before turning his attention to Summers. This person was caught off guard.

Leibelt additionally allegedly thought concerning killing multiple individuals and robbing a Macy's at the mall before ultimately attacking Summers. Authorities had previously expressed reservations concerning Leibelt's alleged violent intentions.

For context, 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 additionally state Leibelt previously disclosed homicidal "fantasies" and complained that he "kept getting let out" of custody, a remark anticipated to intensify criticism over his release while facing another felony case.

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

For now, teen accused of butchering beloved artist in mall attack that shocked quiet remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.