A 19-year-old man and two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the death of Alexa Stakely, an Ohio mother who died while trying to rescue her 6-year-old son from a suspected carjacker. Alexa Stakely suffered fatal injuries when she was struck by her car in the early morning hours of July 11, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
Stakely’s truck drove through an apartment complex and was abandoned, with her son sleeping inside, although he was later found unharmed, according to police. After the incident, police began searching for the suspects who allegedly fled the scene on foot, police said. WSYX.
On Wednesday, July 25, the Columbus Division of Police announced the arrest of two juvenile suspects in connection with Stakely’s death. Police did not identify either suspect. The first teen, accompanied by his parents, turned himself in at police headquarters and agreed to be interviewed by detectives. The teen allegedly told police he stole Stakely’s vehicle and ran her over, according to the report. department.
Later that day, police identified a second teen who they said was involved in the killing. During an interview with detectives, the teen allegedly admitted to being present when Stakely was killed and indicated that a third person was involved in the incident. Both teens were charged with murder, though it is not immediately clear if either of them pleaded guilty.
According to reports from WBNSand Columbus’s OfficeHours after the second teen was arrested, police arrested Gerald Dowling, 19, after he allegedly went to police headquarters and admitted his involvement. Jail records indicate Dowling is charged with murder. It was not immediately clear whether he has retained an attorney or entered a plea.
Police said Stakely, a single mother, had finished a shift at her second job as a waitress and was picking up her son from a babysitter’s home on July 11. Stakely had put her son in her SUV and started the vehicle when she realized she had forgotten something and ran back to the babysitter’s home. When she returned to the vehicle, the SUV began to reverse. Stakely began to run after it.
The 29-year-old mother was struck by the vehicle and thrown to the pavement, according to police. Stakely also worked as a speech therapist in the Canal Winchester, Ohio, school district at the time of her death.
“Alexa was passionate about children and speech and language therapy,” the Canal Winchester School District said in a statement. Facebook post“She was intelligent and compassionate, and cared deeply about helping children develop their ability to communicate. She was a great mother who was incredibly dedicated to her son. Ms. Stakely made a difference in the lives of the students and families she worked with and will be missed by many in our community and beyond.” GoFundMe began raising money for Stakely’s son and has raised more than $90,000.
