A 47-year-old Good Samaritan was stabbed to death as he tried to stop a purse snatcher who had just robbed a woman in Yucaipa, authorities said.

Vincent DeLeon, 26, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to one count of murder in the death of Troy Cansler and one count of attempted murder for also allegedly stabbing the woman whose purse was stolen, authorities said.

San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies were called to the Stater Bros. grocery story parking lot in Yucaipa around 9:37 p.m. Sunday after a report of an armed robbery and assault. When they arrived, they found Krystina Hanrahan, 26, suffering from stab wounds, KTLA-TV reported.

Hanrahan, who was with her toddler when she was assaulted, said a man stabbed her and stole her purse, according to the sheriff’s department and that Cansler, a stranger, had come to her aid.


Investigators said that when Cansler caught up with DeLeon in the area of 4th Street near Yucaipa Boulevard. the two struggled. DeLeon then allegedly fatally stabbed Cansler, but was arrested a short time later.

Hanrahan, who was stabbed five times -- twice in the arm and three times in the chest -- was expected to survive.

On Tuesday, she described Cansler as an angel.

“I spoke to his mother today and I said thank you for raising someone who would put their life on the line,” Hanrahan said.


Cansler’s daughter said her dad was just being himself -- helping out someone in need.

“I’m very proud,” said 12-year-old Jordyn Glazier. “He was everything I could ask for in a dad … everything and more.”

A Facebook memorial page was set up Monday for Cansler.