Ohio Mom Was Killed Trying to Rescue Young Son While Car Was Being Stolen. Now Trio Is Charged with Murder

Two juveniles and a 19-year-old man were charged with murder in the July 11 death of Alexa Stakely

A 19-year-old man and two teens were arrested in connection with the death of an Ohio mother who was killed while trying to rescue her 6-year-old son from suspected carjackers.

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, police say, though the child was later found unharmed, police say.

In the aftermath of the incident, police say they have been searching for suspects who allegedly fled the scene on foot.

On Wednesday, July 25 the Columbus Division of Police said it arrested two suspects, both juveniles, in connection with Stakely’s death. Neither suspect was named by police.

The first teen, police say, turned himself in to police headquarters accompanied by his parents 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 say they identified a second teen they claim was involved in the killing. During an interview with detectives, the teen allegedly admitted to being present when Stakely was killed. He also told police a third person was involved in the incident, the department claims.

Related: Ohio Mom Killed While Trying to Stop Car from Being Stolen with Her 6-Year-Old Son Inside

Both teens were charged with murder, though it’s not immediately clear if either has entered a plea.

According to reports from WBNS, WSYX and The Columbus Dispatch citing a police spokesperson, hours after the second teen was arrested, police apprehended Gerald Dowling, 19, after he allegedly came to police headquarters and admitted his involvement.

Jail records indicate that Dowling is charged with murder. It is not immediately if he has retained an attorney or entered a plea.

Police had previously said Stakely, a single mother, had finished a shift at her second job as a waitress when she was picking up her son from a babysitter’s house on July 11.

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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.

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