Arizona Flight Attendant Murder Suspect Walked Free from Denver Jail Just 2 Months Before Tragedy

Elijah Caudill, the alleged perpetrator in the recent 16th Street Mall stabbings, had been incarcerated in various facilities throughout 2023 and 2024. According to records reviewed by 9NEWS Investigates, he was released from the Denver jail just two months before the violent incidents.

Denver Police attribute four stabbings in the area to Caudill, aged 24, occurring on consecutive days. Authorities apprehended him after the fourth attack; of the four victims, two survived their injuries.

Caudill’s release from jail was facilitated by Bridges of Colorado, an organization focused on supporting individuals with significant mental health challenges within the criminal justice system. According to Bridges, they work with defendants to bridge the gap between mental health services and the criminal justice system.

Caudill’s criminal history began in 2019 with a minor arrest for allegedly stealing baseball cards, which was eventually dismissed. However, his offenses escalated; in 2021, he faced charges for brandishing a knife during a confrontation, resulting in a 24-month probationary sentence.

In 2022, while residing in a community corrections program, Caudill pleaded guilty to attempting to steal a purse from a shopper in a Westminster Target. This offense led to an 18-month community corrections sentence.

Caudill’s legal troubles continued, culminating in a 15-month prison sentence issued in March 2023, stemming from multiple charges including theft and assault. He began this sentence on April 4, 2023, and was released on parole August 28 of the same year.

Despite completing his parole in May 2023, Caudill remained in the Denver jail amid inquiries regarding his competency to stand trial on pending charges. Subsequently, he faced additional assault allegations while incarcerated, along with charges for vandalizing a jail facility.

On November 12, 2023, Bridges accepted Caudill into their program. However, it remains unclear what support he received following his missed court appearance in December regarding a separate sexual assault case. He is currently awaiting further legal proceedings related to the recent stabbings.