DENVER — Elijah Caudill, 24, was arrested by Denver police in connection with a series of stabbings that took place near the 16th Street Mall over the weekend, two of which were fatal. He faces charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder after the attacks on January 13, 2025.
The stabbing spree began around 5:10 p.m. Saturday when a man was slashed in the face while walking along 16th Street and Tremont Street. The victim, who later sought medical help, described his attacker as a white male in his 20s wearing a black hat, black pants, and a blue sweatshirt. Just minutes later, another stabbing occurred at 16th Street and California Street. The female victim, identified as 71-year-old Celinda Levno, an American Airlines flight attendant, was stabbed in the throat and later died in the hospital on Sunday morning. Levno was on a layover in Denver. American Airlines expressed their sorrow over her death and announced that crews would temporarily be relocated from downtown Denver to hotels near the airport.
A third victim was stabbed in the torso around 5:56 p.m. in the area of 16th Street and Lawrence Street. The male victim remains in critical condition but is described as stable.
Authorities quickly located Caudill after seeing him running with a large knife in hand near 16th and Wynkoop. Officers pursued him, and he dropped the knife before being taken into custody. The weapon, which was found to have suspected blood on it, was recovered.
Shortly after Caudill’s arrest, a fourth victim was discovered at 16th and Wynkoop with a severe laceration to his back. He was transported to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
Denver police believe that Caudill acted alone, and there appears to be no connection between him and the victims. The motive for the attacks is still unclear. To ensure the safety of the public, additional security has been deployed along the 16th Street Mall.
Caudill, who has a criminal history including multiple failure-to-appear warrants and prior charges, is facing serious charges. He is being held without bond as the investigation continues.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston addressed the incident, emphasizing that such random acts of violence are rare in the city. “It is safer downtown now than it has been in a long time,” Johnston stated, expressing his commitment to maintaining safety in the downtown area.
The Downtown Denver Partnership also responded, offering condolences to the victims’ families and emphasizing their continued focus on public safety in the city center.
