A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge agreed Monday to seal an earlier juvenile protective order against a local teen now facing murder charges for the stabbing of a 73-year-old woman outside Capitola Mall.
Tyler Leibelt, 19, has been charged with murder, along with enhancements for using a deadly weapon and lying in wait. As of Monday afternoon, he was being held without bail in Santa Cruz County Jail.
Investigators say he chose his victim, Rachell Sue Summers, at random. She managed Art of Santa Cruz gallery in Capitola Mall and had recently become a grandmother for the first time.
Leibelt was arrested on July 20 after calling police shortly after the crime. He reportedly did so to confess.
Santa Cruz County public defenders Lisa McCamey and Ariana Alejandre filed the defense request to seal last week, stating a Nov. 7 firearms restraining order contained “highly prejudicial information … not intended for public consumption,” which would influence potential jurors against their client.
The Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order listed a previous alleged crime that had been winding its way through juvenile court, records show. The case was dismissed earlier this year. The reason is unclear.
Assistant County Counsel Yesenia Cardona-Muller filed response stating she did not oppose the defense request on Friday, on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.
It’s unclear how long the sealing of the document will take, but Monday morning it was still available for public viewing at court. The allegation was reported by at least one area news outlet, Salinas-based KSBW television station, per defense attorneys.
Leibelt was residing in a sober living home not far from Seabright Avenue in Santa Cruz when arrested. Earlier, he had been a student at San Lorenzo Valley High School.
On Monday, the 6-foot teen sat quietly in the courtroom’s bailiff-guarded section for those in custody, with other men wearing orange jail clothing. He appeared to be paying very close attention, his mouth slightly open, eyes moving to take it all in. Moments later, he nodded as his attorneys flanked him, talking quietly. He was escorted out by 9am.
The November protective order had been prepared by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and granted by Superior Court Judge Nancy de la Pena. It also stated Leibelt had, more than once, expressed a desire to kill people.
He is due back Wednesday for his third arraignment. Photos, videos and recordings by news organizations were ruled out last month, after the defense prevailed in challenging them, again citing potential prejudice to their client.
Judge Gary Paden presided over Monday’s hearing.
