3 charged in death of mother trying to stop stolen SUV with 6-year-old son inside

COLUMBUS — Three people have been charged in connection to the murder of a 29-year-old mother who was killed trying to save her son after her vehicle was stolen.

News Center 7 previously reported that Alexa Stakely was picking up her 6-year-old son from a babysitter and put the sleeping child inside her Honda, which she had left running.

Stakely went to get the boy’s item from the babysitter when a suspect got inside the SUV and began driving away.

She jumped on the hood of the car to stop the thieves but was thrown from the car and died from her injuries.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Mother dies after trying to stop stolen SUV with 6-year-old son inside

A 16-year-old, accompanied by his parents, showed up at Columbus Police Headquarters and admitted to stealing the vehicle and hitting Stakely.

The teenager told police that he and two others were looking for a vehicle to steal when they saw Stakely’s Honda, according to our news partners at WBNS.

As the two friends watched, the 16-year-old said he got into Stakely’s SUV and was about to drive off when she appeared in front of the car.

The teenager said he panicked and began to drive off, hitting Stakely.

>> RELATED: School district mourning death of teacher, tried saving son from stolen SUV

He then abandoned the SUV and rejoined the other two on foot.

Police identified and interviewed a second 16-year-old who they said admitted to being present during the incident. He has been charged with murder.

Less than two hours later, police confirmed that the third suspect, identified as Gerald Dowling, came to Columbus Police Headquarters and admitted to his involvement.

Stakely was a single mom and worked multiple jobs, including working as a speech-language pathologist at Winchester Trail Elementary School in Canal Winchester.

“She was an extremely amazing person who had a heart for kids and teaching kids, being in SLP, and was just brilliant about her work,” said Stakely’s younger brother, Hayden Swartz.

We will continue to follow this story.

©2024 Cox Media Group