A Phoenix-based flight attendant was among the victims of a recent stabbing spree in downtown Denver, according to police and airline officials.
Celinda Anne Levno, 71, was fatally wounded Saturday evening while on layover in the city.
American Airlines confirmed her death, stating, “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,” according to a statement provided to NTD News on Monday.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) released a statement on Sunday, revealing that Levno had been with the company since 1989, starting her career with America West.
The union said the 71-year-old’s “love for her horses, friends, and family will always be remembered” by those who knew her.
According to Denver Police, Elijah Caudill, 25, was arrested Sunday in connection with four stabbings, two of them proving fatal, which includes the attack on Levno.
Police said in a news release on Monday that Caudill is believed to have stabbed multiple people in the downtown area at various locations along 16th Street, on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12.
The first stabbing took place around 5:12 p.m. near 16th Street and Tremont Street, leaving an adult male with non-life-threatening injuries. Five minutes later, at 16th Street and California Street, an adult female, now identified as Levno, was stabbed and later pronounced dead at the hospital. A third stabbing took place at 16th Street and Lawrence Street around 5:54 p.m., leaving an adult male with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
A fourth victim, an adult male, was stabbed the following day at around 8:06 p.m. near 16th Street and Wynkoop Street. He was also pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police say they arrested Caudill shortly after the last stabbing when officers spotted a man matching the suspect’s description running with a knife.
The motive for the attacks remains under investigation and there is believed to be no connection between the victims and Caudill, police stated. He is being held on multiple charges, including first-degree murder of an at-risk elder, first-degree murder, and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
Josephine Dale, a close friend of Levno, said in a statement to ABC15 affiliate Denver7 of Levno that, “She was truly the most incredible and kind woman out there. Everything she did was for everyone else. A true animal lover, and a phenomenal musician. Overall, just an amazing woman. This is a devastating loss to everyone who knew her. She will now be with us every stride and her love for horses will be carried on through all of us”.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses and support Levno’s family. The page, which is organized by Dale, describes Levno as “the most giving and kind person out there” who “did so much for others.” It also mentions her involvement in the Arabian horse industry and her talent as a flutist.
The APFA has made Employee Assistance services available to help flight attendants process this unexpected loss.
As the investigation continues, the Denver Police Department has stated that they will maintain additional resources in the 16th Street Mall area and surrounding vicinity to ensure public safety.