73-year-old fatally stabbed outside Capitola Mall; 19-year-old suspect held without bail, police say

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- A 73-year-old woman was stabbed to death at the Capitola Mall on Monday in what police are describing as a random attack.

At about 12:45 p.m. Monday, officers were sent to the mall in response to reports of a stabbing near the food court exit, Capitola police said.

When they arrived, officers found the woman, identified by police Tuesday as Rachell Summers, on Clares Street across the parking lot from the Macy's west exit.

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She was suffering from multiple stab wounds and officers provided medical aid until crews from the Central Fire District of Santa Cruz County and American Medical Response arrived to take over, according to police.

Summers died at the scene.

Officers soon found a man they consider a suspect in the case about a half mile away in the 1400 block of 41st Avenue.

Jail records show that the 19-year-old suspect is being held without bail on suspicion of murder and for allegedly committing a felony while out on bail.

ABC7 Eyewitness News is not naming the man until he's formally arraigned.

"Based on the investigation to date, detectives believe this was a random act of violence, and there is no indication that the suspect and victim knew one another prior to the attack," police officials said in a statement.

Anyone who witnessed the attack or who may have photographs, videos or other information can contact the Capitola Police Department at (831) 475-4242.