Crime
Celinda Levno killed in Denver 16th Street Mall stabbing spree, suspect arrested
A man has been arrested in connection with a series of stabbings along Denver’s 16th Street over the weekend that left two people dead and two others injured.
Denver police announced the arrest late Sunday, confirming the suspect’s involvement in four separate incidents, including a fatal stabbing on Sunday night.
The first stabbing occurred at approximately 5:12 p.m. on Saturday at the intersection of 16th Street and Tremont Street.
Responding officers found a man suffering from non-life-threatening injuries and transported him to a local hospital for treatment.
Just minutes later, at around 5:17 p.m., police were called to another stabbing at 16th Street and California Street.
A female victim with severe throat injuries was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries on Sunday. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas stated that the victim will be formally identified by the Denver County Coroner’s Office.
At 5:54 p.m. on Saturday, a third stabbing was reported at 16th Street and Lawrence Street. In this incident, an adult male victim sustained critical injuries.
As of Sunday evening, he remained in stable condition.
On Sunday night, at approximately 10:00 p.m., police responded to a fourth stabbing in the 1600 block of Market Street. The victim in this incident was transported to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Shortly after the fourth stabbing, police apprehended an adult male suspect. By 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, Denver police confirmed the individual had been formally arrested in connection with all four stabbings.
While the suspect’s name has not yet been released, officials indicated his identity will be made public after he is booked into jail on Monday.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas emphasized that investigators do not believe the suspect had any prior relationship with the victims. The motives behind the attacks remain unclear, and authorities are working to piece together the circumstances leading to the violent spree.
The Denver Police Department has increased patrols in the area to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents. Residents and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information related to the stabbings is urged to contact the Denver Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.