Three Arrested in Connection with Ohio Mother’s Death While Rescuing Son from Carjackers
PHOTO: GOFUNDME
A 19-year-old man and two teens have been arrested in connection with the death of Alexa Stakely, an Ohio mother killed 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 early on the morning of July 11, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
Stakely’s SUV was then driven through an apartment complex and abandoned, with her son sleeping inside, though he was later found unharmed, police say. In the aftermath of the incident, police began searching for suspects who allegedly fled the scene on foot, told WSYX.
On Wednesday, July 25, the Columbus Division of Police announced the arrest of two juvenile suspects in connection with Stakely’s death. Neither suspect was named by police. The first teen, accompanied by his parents, turned himself into police headquarters and agreed to be interviewed by detectives. The teen allegedly told police that he stole Stakely’s vehicle and struck her, according to the department.
Later that day, police identified a second teen they claimed was involved in the killing. During an interview with detectives, the teen allegedly admitted to being present when Stakely was killed and indicated a third person was involved in the incident. Both teens were charged with murder, though it’s not immediately clear if either has entered a plea.
According to reports from WBNS, and The Columbus Dispatch, hours after the second teen was arrested, police apprehended 19-year-old Gerald Dowling after he allegedly came to police headquarters and admitted his involvement. Jail records indicate that Dowling is charged with murder. It is not immediately clear if 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 house 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 toward the babysitter’s home. As she returned to the vehicle, the SUV started backing out. Stakely started running after it.
The 29-year-old mother was then struck by the vehicle and thrown onto the pavement, according to police. Stakely also worked as a speech pathologist for the Canal Winchester, Ohio, school district at the time of her death.
“Alexa was passionate about children and speech-language therapy,” the Canal Winchester School District said in a Facebook post. “She was smart and compassionate, and she cared so much about helping children develop their ability to communicate. She was a great mom 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 so many in our community and beyond.” A GoFundMe started to raise money for Stakely’s son has raised over $90,000.
