A spate of random attacks in downtown Denver, Colorado on January 11, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of a veteran flight attendant from Phoenix, Arizona. The 71-year-old American Airlines employee was among two fatalities and four injuries from the weekend violence.
The victim, Celinda Levno, had a long-standing career with the airline industry, starting in 1989 at America West Airlines. This company later merged with US Airways and eventually became American Airlines in 2005. The stabbing incident occurred around 5:17 p.m. on Saturday near 16th and California streets in Denver, after which Levno was taken to a local hospital. Despite undergoing several hours of surgery, Levno succumbed to her injuries on Sunday morning.
Denver Police detained 24-year-old Elijah D. Caudill on charges related to the four separate stabbings that occurred from Saturday evening to Sunday evening. The first victim of the violent spree, which started between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Levno was the second victim, followed by another survivor. The fourth victim succumbed to their injuries after being stabbed near 16th Street and Market just before midnight on Sunday.
Three of the stabbings took place within a 42-minute timeframe on Saturday evening in Denver’s bustling 16th Street Mall area. Police reports confirm that all the attacks seem to be random and unprovoked.
The suspect, Caudill, has a criminal record that includes attempted robbery, assault, and failure-to-appear warrants. Police apprehended him late Sunday, finding no known connection between him and the victims. The motive behind the attacks remains undetermined. Caudill’s grandparents revealed a history of mental health and drug-related issues.
Friends of Levno remembered her fondly. “She will now be with us every stride, and her love for horses will be carried on through all of us,” said Josephine Dale to The Arizona Republic. Dale also shared photographs of Levno, one of which depicted her on a white horse, holding an American flag.
Levno, remembered as an avid flute player, was described by Dale as “an incredible and kind woman”. She was known not only for her dedication as a flight attendant but also for her love for animals. Her friend, Yvonne Shields, posted a heartfelt tribute online: “RIP my sweet friend.”
An American Airlines spokesperson condemned the attack on Levno as a senseless act of violence, expressing support for her family, friends, and colleagues. The company also confirmed Levno’s three-decade-long tenure as a flight attendant and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement investigators.
Following Levno’s death, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants initiated measures to ensure crew safety. The union announced a temporary relocation of crews laying over in downtown Denver to a hotel near Denver International Airport. The organization also activated its Employee Assistance Program to aid flight attendants dealing with the loss of their colleague.
The Denver Police Department has increased its downtown presence following the incident and urged the public to remain alert. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from businesses in the vicinity of the 16th Street Mall and are appealing to the public for any additional information. More details about the suspect and the ongoing investigation are expected to be released soon.
