2 Dead After Series of Stabbings in Denver, Suspect in Custody

A suspect has been taken into custody after multiple stabbing left two people dead in Denver over the weekend, according to police. 

On Monday, Jan. 13, the Denver Police Department announced that Elijah Caudill, 24, was arrested “for several stabbings” that occurred between Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12.

Caudill is being held for first degree murder of an at risk elder, first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder.

According to a press release shared by the Denver Police on X, the attacks began at approximately 5:12 p.m. on Saturday near 16th Street.

The first victim, who has not been named, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and transported himself to a nearby hospital.  

The second stabbing came just moments later at approximately 5:17 p.m. on the same street, but near a different intersection. This incident proved fatal for an adult female who was taken to a hospital and pronounced deceased.

Saturday’s final attack also happened within the hour, just before 6 p.m., when an adult male stabbed on 16th Street and Lawrence Street. He was taken to a hospital for serious injuries, but is expected to survive. 

On Sunday, a fourth stabbing occurred on 16th Street around 8:00 p.m., where authorities said an adult male was killed.

According to the press release, before police officers knew of the fourth victim, they spotted a person who fit the suspect’s description “running with a knife.” After a pursuit, they took Caudill into custody. 

Authorities said there does not seem to be any relationship between Caudill and the stabbing victims, per the press statement.

On Monday, the Associated Press reported that the stabbings appeared to be random, citing the police. The outlet added that court spokesperson Carolyn Tyler said Caudill is being represented by a lawyer from the public defender’s office, however, the office does not offer comments regarding cases to the media.

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During a press conference Monday, Mayor Mike Johnston described Caudill as “a white male born in Colorado with a history of criminal involvement.”

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas shared his condolences to the victims and their families and also assured residents that the city remains safe.