A California grandmother who dreamed of watching her child grandson develop up was allegedly hunted down and butchered by a 19-year-old who prosecutors say had lengthy fantasized about killing, regardless of already being free on bail when he allegedly carried out the savage assault.
Now, as the horrific slaying reignites outrage over California’s dealing with of repeat offenders, the grieving household of beloved artist and author Rachell Summers is pleading with the general public to assist in giving her solely grandchild the longer term she is going to by no means get to see.
“On Monday, our greatest pal’s mother, Rachell Summers, tragically misplaced her life in a mindless act of violence,” the household’s GoFundMe says.
“Her passing has left a deep void within the lives of everybody who liked her, particularly her grandson.”
Summers, 73, had turn out to be a grandmother for the primary time final yr. Her solely grandchild is now approaching his first birthday, a milestone she is going to by no means see.
“She dreamt of a vivid future for her grandchild and hoped to see him pursue his schooling,” the fundraiser says.
Her family members at the moment are attempting to construct the longer term she envisioned by making a 529 faculty fund in his title.
“All funds raised by this marketing campaign will go straight right into a 529 faculty fund for Rachell’s grandchild,” the household wrote. “This help will assist be sure that, regardless of the ache and uncertainty he faces, he could have the chance to comply with his desires and entry the schooling Rachell so deeply valued.”
“Please be part of us in honoring Rachell’s reminiscence and supporting her grandson’s future,” the fundraiser continues.
The marketing campaign had set a purpose of $7,000 and was greater than half approach to there as of Friday night.
In accordance with courtroom paperwork, the person accused of killing Summers had each alternative to be behind bars as an alternative of roaming free.
Tyler Leibelt, 19, was already out on bail awaiting trial in one other felony case and was residing in a sober residing surroundings when prosecutors say he determined Monday that he was going to kill a whole stranger.
Authorities allege Leibelt took an Uber to Cabrillo School, the place he’s an accounting pupil, and whereas sitting within the cafeteria felt a long-standing “want to kill somebody.”
Investigators say he later admitted it was a “performed deal” that he was going to homicide somebody after turning off his cellphone as a result of he didn’t need to be interrupted.
He then allegedly boarded a METRO bus to Capitola Mall, looking for a sufferer earlier than strolling right into a Huge 5 Sporting Items retailer and buying two switchblade knives.
In accordance with prosecutors, Leibelt advised detectives he purchased two knives as a result of he wished to carry one in every hand whereas killing somebody.
Investigators mentioned he later demonstrated stabbing motions with each arms throughout questioning.
Courtroom data additionally state Leibelt had beforehand disclosed homicidal “fantasies” and complained that he “saved getting set free” of custody, revelations which are more likely to intensify criticism from those that argue California’s prison justice system is simply too fast to launch harmful offenders.
Earlier than allegedly concentrating on Summers, Leibelt thought of attacking an aged Asian man however determined in opposition to it as a result of there have been too many passing automobiles and he believed the person would possibly put up an excessive amount of of a struggle, prosecutors mentioned.
He then allegedly walked in a semicircle round Summers with a hid knife, allowed her to get forward so she wouldn’t notice she was being adopted, eliminated the weapon from its packaging and sprinted after the unsuspecting grandmother.
Summers was stabbed greater than 11 occasions, struggling wounds to her again and chest together with defensive accidents to her forearms.
Prosecutors say Leibelt advised detectives he heard the terrified 73-year-old cry out, “Assist me.”
The killing has devastated the Santa Cruz arts group, the place Summers spent seven years as gallery supervisor of Artwork of Santa Cruz.
Leibelt stays jailed with out bail.
His arraignment was delayed till July 29 on the request of his attorneys.
