Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a series of weekend stabbings in Denver, Colorado.
One of the victims was a veteran American Airlines flight attendant who was on a layover in the Mile High City.
Here’s the latest on the investigation, and why this is part of a troubling trend in more violent crimes happening in Denver, a predominiatly Democratic-run city.
Elijah Caudill, 24, was arrested late Sunday evening in connection to four stabbings that occurred over the weekend in Denver, according to the Denver Police Department.
In a statement to Fox News, American Airlines confirmed that Phoenix-based flight attendant Celinda Levno, 71, was one of the victims.
“We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime. Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to assist law enforcement in its investigation,” a spokesperson for the airlines said in a statement.
'Senseless crime:' Arizona flight attendant killed during layover in Denver stabbing https://t.co/UBjofcr82Z
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 14, 2025
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants, a union that represents American Airlines flight attendants, also confirmed Levno’s death in a statement, obtained by Fox News.
“With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Phoenix-based Flight Attendant Celinda Levno while on layover in Denver. Celinda began her career with America West in 1989,” a spokesperson for the association said.
“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.”
Levno began her career in 1989 with American West, which merged with US Airways and then American Airlines in 2013, according to the association.
The association added that crews still on a layover in Denver will be relocated to a hotel near the Denver International Airport, even though the stabbing did not occur at the layover hotel.
According to the Denver Police, the incident happened around 5:17 p.m. on Saturday when officers responded to reports of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Levno with stab wounds to the neck, along with two other victims who sustained injuries.
Levno was transported to a local hospital and was later pronounced dead.
Police said another male victim was stabbed late Sunday night and succumbed to his injuries. His identity has yet to be released.
According to reports, investigators do not believe Caudill and the victims had any connection to each other, and a motive for the attacks is unknown.
Caudill is being held without bail and is facing first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder charges.
Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the stabbings is encouraged to contact the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7967.
#Denver, do you recognize this homicide suspect? Please contact @CrimeStoppersCO at 720-913-STOP (7867) with any information about the suspect or incidents. pic.twitter.com/EGro0ops9c
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) January 12, 2025
On Monday evening, Denver Democrat Mayor Mike Johnston said during a press conference that the stabbing was an “isolated, exceedingly rare” event.
However, violent crime rates have been on the uptick in Denver over the past few years.
A University of Colorado study found that property and violent crime reports increased 27.1% and 14.3% respectively in the city and county of Denver after police scaled back their presence during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the murder of George Floyd.