Press Article: Stabbing Suspect Linked to Past Violent Incidents
Denver, CO – The recent stabbing attacks on the 16th Street Mall involving the suspect, Elijah Caudill, 24, have revealed a disturbing history of violence and homelessness. Court documents show that Caudill was previously homeless when he threatened a maintenance worker with a knife at a shopping center in August 2021. Following this incident, which involved Caudill yelling obscenities and jabbing the knife at the worker, a restraining order was sought by the Village at Park Centre.
Despite being charged with felony menacing, Caudill accepted a plea deal for a misdemeanor assault charge, leading to probation. However, he failed to attend several scheduled meetings with his probation officer, prompting a motion to revoke his probation. Despite being ordered to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to address his anti-social behaviors, Caudill did not complete the program, raising alarms about his potential risk to others.
Since 2018, Caudill has faced 15 arrests for various offenses, including robbery, menacing, and sexual assault, with a notable incident in January 2024 at the Denver Cares Detox Facility. While incarcerated, he assaulted two inmates, leading to additional misdemeanor charges.
Although his parole ended in May, Caudill remained at the Denver Detention Center until he was accepted into the Bridges Program, which aims to bridge the gap between the criminal justice system and mental health services. He was required to report to the program but failed to appear in court for a sex assault case in December 2024, resulting in a warrant for his arrest.
This past weekend, Caudill allegedly stabbed four individuals, resulting in two fatalities. The victims included Nicholas Burkett, 34, who was also reported to be homeless. The Denver community is shaken as law enforcement reviews Caudill’s alarming past in light of these tragic events.
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