A man has been arrested in connection with a series of stabbings near Denver's 16th Street Mall that left two people dead and two others injured over the weekend.
Newsweek has contacted Denver Police Department via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The 16th Street Mall, a bustling downtown shopping and dining area, has experienced a rise in violent incidents in recent years. The attacks appeared unprovoked, with no known connections between the suspect and the victims.
One of the deceased victims was identified as 71-year-old American Airlines flight attendant Celinda Levno, who was on a layover in Denver.
What to Know
The first stabbing occurred around 5:12 p.m. on Saturday near 16th and Tremont Streets, where a man was slashed in the face. He drove himself to the hospital and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Approximately five minutes later, near 16th and California Streets, flight attendant Levno was stabbed in the throat. She was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead on Sunday morning.
A third stabbing took place around 5:45 p.m. near 16th and Lawrence Streets, where a man sustained injuries to his arm and torso. He was hospitalized in stable but critical condition.
Shortly before Sunday's stabbing, police had released a surveillance image of a suspect dressed in black seeking help from the public to find that person. On Sunday night, a fourth stabbing occurred near 16th and Market Streets, resulting in the death of another male victim. The suspect was apprehended shortly after this incident.
Business owners have expressed concerns about safety, noting that increased crime has impacted their operations. Shyam Shrestha, owner of Mt. Everest Imports of Himalaya, recounted his cousin witnessing one of the stabbing victims lying on the ground to CBS Colorado.
"He saw one lady lying down on the floor, and she was wounded. Bleeding was coming out, so he's scared and called me, 'Brother, brother, this accident happened,'" he said. He added that crime has increased at the mall in recent years–– he reports break-ins and theft and that police don't respond as quickly as they used to, making it difficult to keep his store open.
What People Are Saying
American Airlines expressed their condolences following Levno's death:
"We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night. 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."
"We really have significant concern for the community because these appear to be unprovoked attacks," said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas.
What's Next
The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to determine the suspect's motive. Security has been upped along 16th Street and the surrounding areas, with both uniformed and plainclothes officers. Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Denver Police Department or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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