DENVER — The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner released the identities Wednesday of the two victims who died in a series of random stabbing attacks on the 16th Street Mall over the weekend.
The suspect, Elijah Caudill, 24, was arrested on the mall Sunday evening seconds after he allegedly stabbed to death his fourth victim, identified Wednesday as 34-year-old Nicholas Burkett.
Caudill is suspected of three stabbings in the same area Saturday evening, one of whom, 71-year-old Celinda Levno, died from her injuries.
Levno, a Phoenix-based American Airlines flight attendant, was on a layover in Denver at the time. Loved ones created a GoFundMe online fundraiser to help with funeral expenses.
"Celinda's love for her horses, friends, and family will always be remembered. We stand in support with Celinda's family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy," the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said in a statement Sunday.
Caudil appeared in court on Monday. He is represented by a lawyer from the public defender's office.
A motive for the attacks is unknown.
Denver7 Investigates
16th Street Mall stabbing suspect's grandfather points to mental health concerns
The suspect has multiple convictions in Adams County and several open cases in Denver. He was released on a personal recognizance (PR) bond in November 2024.
The suspect's grandfather, Don Caudill, told Denver7 that his grandson has struggled with substance abuse, including fentanyl and heroin.
"I do know he hears voices, imagines things, and he does self-medicate on the street," said Caudill. "He was taking ADHD meds, and he quit because he didn't think he needed them. He got out there on the streets and started using drugs to medicate himself."
Chris Hinds, a Denver city council member, said the multiple stabbings are a sad reminder of the challenges the area still faces.
He said a lack of clear security coordination between different entities also contributes to safety issues.
“We have a whole bunch of residents and businesses that have a patchwork of security, and so it's not as easy for them to communicate with one another,” he said.
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