Flight Attendant Fatally Stabbed While on Layover in Denver, Suspect Arrested

Two people were killed in a stabbing spree in Denver, Colo., over the weekend, including a longtime flight attendant who was on a layover in the city, officials said.

Denver police have since arrested a suspect, identified as 24-year-old Elijah Caudill, in connection with the four stabbings which took place on Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12, according to a statement from the Denver Police Department.

While authorities did not identify the victims, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants, a labor union which represents American Airlines flight attendants, shared that one of their own, Celinda Levno, was among those killed.

“With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of Phoenix-based Flight Attendant Celinda Levno while on layover in Denver,” the union’s statement reads. “Celinda began her career with America West in 1989.”

The union said that the stabbing did not occur at Levno’s designated layover hotel, but as a precaution, staff also on layovers in Denver were moved to another hotel near the airport.

American Airlines also confirmed Levno’s death, telling PEOPLE in an email statement on Thursday, Jan. 16, that the company is “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,” the statement adds.

Police said three stabbings occurred within the 5 p.m. hour on Saturday on 16th Street in downtown Denver. They said an adult woman was killed in the second stabbing while the other two victims were expected to survive their wounds.

The next day, a fourth stabbing occurred around 8 p.m. and that adult male victim was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police. 

Shortly before the discovery of the fourth victim, officers were searching for the suspect in the area when they saw a man running with a knife. Police claim he fit the suspect’s description and chased the man before taking him into custody.

“The motive remains under investigation and there does not appear to be any connection with the victims and Caudill,” police said in the statement.

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Police said Caudill has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. It’s unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Meanwhile, Levno was being remembered by the APFA as someone who loved her “horses, friends and family.” 

“We stand in support with Celinda’s family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy,” the union said.