Denver, Colorado — A 71-year-old flight attendant was fatally stabbed in a series of random attacks in downtown Denver, Colorado, leaving the local community and coworkers in shock. The attacks, which took place over the weekend of January 11, claimed another life and injured two additional individuals.
Celinda Levno, a flight attendant based in Phoenix, Arizona, began her career in 1989 with America West Airlines, which subsequently merged with US Airways and then American Airlines in 2005. She was fatally attacked near the bustling 16th and California streets in Denver, around 5:17 p.m. on Saturday. Despite extensive surgical efforts at a nearby hospital, Levno succumbed to her injuries the following morning.
Authorities arrested 24-year-old Elijah D. Caudill, linking him to a total of four stabbing incidents from Saturday to Sunday. The assaults included another fatality and two non-fatal injuries. Detectives detailed that three of the assaults occurred within a 42-minute span on Saturday evening, concentrated around the pedestrian-heavy 16th Street Mall.
Law enforcement officials have indicated that the attacks appeared to be unprovoked and random. Caudill, who has a history of criminal activity including attempted robbery and assault, was detained late Sunday. Psychological and substance abuse challenges in his past were noted by his grandparents, though no direct links between him and the victims have been established.
In response to the tragedy, Josephine Dale, a longtime friend of Levno, reflected on her character and passions. “Celinda was a symbol of joy and compassion, often seen sharing her love for horses and playing the flute,” Dale mentioned. Her affection for horses was notably captured in a photograph with Levno carrying an American flag while riding a white horse.
American Airlines released a statement expressing devastation over the loss of Levno, describing the incident as a horrific act of violence. The carrier confirmed Levno’s tenure of over three decades and committed to supporting her family and colleagues during this difficult period.
The airline industry, too, is reacting to the tragedy. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants announced a temporary change for crews, relocating layovers from downtown to a hotel closer to Denver International Airport. The move aims to ensure the safety of flight crews, and the union has also initiated support services to help those affected by the loss of their peer.
In the wake of the attacks, the Denver Police Department has augmented its presence in the downtown area, intensifying patrols and monitoring security footage from surrounding businesses. Public vigilance has been urged, and sources such as Metro Denver Crime Stoppers are actively seeking any additional leads.
The investigation continues as the Denver community reels from the shocking events. Details about the motive and further connections, if any, between Caudill and the stabbings are still under examination, with more information expected to be disclosed by investigators soon.