American Airlines flight attendant dies after “senseless crime” in Denver

An American Airlines flight attendant has been confirmed as one of the items of a deadly stabbing that took place in Denver, Colorado, over the weekend. The airline has now confirmed that longtime employee Celinda Levno, 71, was one of the victims of the attack, which took the life of another pedestrian and left two more wounded.

According to local news reports, Levno was in Denver for a layover when the stabbing occurred. She recently celebrated her 35th anniversary as a flight attendant, beginning in 1989 with America West Airlines.

America West later merged with US Airways, which became part of American Airlines in 2013.

An avid equestrian, Levno was the second of three people to be targeted within an hour at the 16th Street Mall in Downtown Denver on Saturday night.

Speaking to 12News, American Airlines confirmed the incident and reiterated its commitment to help in the ongoing investigation:

“We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night. 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.”

Although the tragic event did not take place at the layover hotel, American Airlines temporarily relocated its crew laying over in downtown Denver to a hotel near the Denver International Airport (DEN).

The Denver Police Department confirmed on Monday that it had apprehended a suspect in the incident.

In addition to Ms Levno, the suspect is believed to have stabbed two other people on January 11th.

A first man was attacked at 17:12, transported himself to the hospital, and was confirmed to have non-life-threatening injuries.

Following Ms Levno's stabbing five minutes later, another adult male was stabbed shortly before 18:00 and was transported to the hospital with serious injuries but is expected to survive.

Following the incidents, the police dedicated significant public and private safety and security resources to the area around the 16th Street Mall and surrounding area and will keep additional resources focused on the area for the near future.

Yesterday, Sunday, January 12th, Denver Police officers were in the area of 16th and Wynkoop Streets searching for the suspect when they saw a man fitting the description running with a knife.

Officers chased the man and took him into custody. Shortly after the arrest, a fourth victim was located and transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

According to the Denver Police Department, the motive remains under investigation. There does not appear to be any connection between the suspect and the victims, and the motive is unknown.

In a tribute for Levno over the weekend, The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) highlighted her love for horses and called her death a “senseless tragedy”:

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

"Celinda's love for her horses, friends, and family will always be remembered. We stand in support with Celinda's family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy.

"APFA Employee Assistance (EAP) is available to help Flight Attendants process this unexpected tragic loss."

As it stands, the suspect is being held for investigations of First Degree Murder of an at-risk elder, First Degree Murder, and Two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder.

A spokesperson has since confirmed that the homicide investigation is active and ongoing and that the final determination of charges will be made by the Denver District Attorney's Office.