3 Arrested in Death of Alexa Stakely
Three Teenagers Charged in Ohio Mother’s Death Remain in Custody
Three teenagers charged in the death of Alexa Stakely, an Ohio mother who was struck while trying to prevent the theft of her car with her 6-year-old son inside, will stay in custody following their court appearances on Thursday.
Suspects and Charges
The suspects, 19-year-old Gerald Dowling and two 16-year-olds, face murder charges. The 16-year-olds, charged in Franklin County Juvenile Court, could be tried as adults if the judge finds probable cause for their involvement in the crime.
The Columbus Dispatch, a member of the USA TODAY Network, is not disclosing the names of the minors since they have not been charged as adults.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday, police reported that one of the 16-year-olds, accompanied by his parents, surrendered at Columbus police headquarters and agreed to speak with detectives.
He revealed that he and the other two suspects were looking for a car to steal around 1:30 a.m. on July 11 when they found Stakely's Honda.
The other 16-year-old was apprehended Wednesday afternoon and confessed to his involvement in the attempted theft. Dowling surrendered later that night.
3 arrested in death of Alexa Stakely, Ohio mom killed trying to save son in carjacking https://t.co/2towlRu8RH
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Court Proceedings
In the first court hearing on Thursday afternoon, Magistrate Woodrow Hudson decided the younger teens will remain in the county's Juvenile Intervention Center pending another hearing scheduled for Monday.
Dowling, the only adult among the suspects, had his first court appearance Thursday morning in Franklin County Municipal Court. Judge Bill Hedrick set Dowling's bond at $10 million.
Attorneys for the two 16-year-olds noted that neither teen has a criminal history or even speeding tickets on their records. Both are students at Canal Winchester High School, with one playing football for the school.
One of the 16-year-olds reportedly told detectives he was driving Stakely's vehicle when it struck her.
What Happened to Alexa Stakely?
Alexa Stakely, 29, a single mother and speech-language pathologist for Winchester Trail Elementary School in Canal Winchester, Ohio, also worked part-time as a waitress to support her son. She was picking up her son after a waitressing shift when the incident occurred.
Stakely brought her sleeping son to her Honda CRV, which she left running, while she met the babysitter to get his belongings. As she returned to the car, she saw someone inside starting to back out. Stakely ran towards the Honda, screaming for her child and telling the driver to stop.
According to police, the 16-year-old suspect, with his two friends watching, panicked and began driving off, striking Stakely with the vehicle. The Honda hit Stakely, causing her to fall and suffer a fatal head wound. She was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The 16-year-old abandoned the Honda nearby. Witnesses saw two males running away, jumping a fence, and escaping into a neighboring apartment complex. The three suspects regrouped shortly after on foot.
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