Shocking new video shows the aftermath of a carjacking tragedy that left an Ohio teacher dead while saving the life of her 6-year-old son.
Columbus police released the footage hours before a public vigil was set to take place Wednesday in Canal Winchester, Ohio, in honor of 29-year-old Alexa Stakely, who died last Thursday after being struck by her own stolen Honda CR-V.
Two of the three suspects are seen chasing the car while the third suspect drives, then abandon the car in a nearby parking lot and disappear.
Police have released the footage, along with an updated map of the area where the suspects were last seen, and are asking residents of The Residences at James Place and The Residences at Akita Lane to come forward and see if they have any footage from the early morning of July 11.
Mrs. Stakely was struck while picking up her son from the babysitter on Blue Knoll Drive around 1:30 a.m. She had just returned from her second job as a waitress and suffered fatal head injuries when she was struck by her own car.
Suspects are seen chasing Ms Stakely’s Honda CRV after the horrific theft
Ohio teacher died saving her son’s life after armed carjacker tried to steal car the 6-year-old was sleeping in
Alexa Stakely, 29, a speech therapist, picked up her 6-year-old son from a babysitter after finishing her shift at her second job
According to police, the mother had loaded her sleeping son into the car, but ran back to the babysitter’s apartment to retrieve something.
The car thief then jumped into her car, left it running and drove away. reports WSYX.
Ms. Stakely chased the suspect and attempted to stop him, then jumped on the car.
New footage shows the suspects driving away in the vehicle as two others pursue them on foot.
The suspects then allegedly dumped the car in a nearby parking lot and disappeared.
When police arrived, they found the parked vehicle with the child, Deluca Brynn Foster, still sleeping inside.
“Ms. Stakely’s family shared that she died heroically trying to save her 6-year-old son during a carjacking,” Canal Winchester Schools said in a heartfelt statement. tribute.
“Thankfully, her son was not injured and is now with family. Please keep Alexa’s son, family, and friends in your prayers during this difficult time.
‘Alexa was passionate about children and speech therapy. She was smart and compassionate, and she cared deeply about helping children develop their communication skills.
‘She was a wonderful mother who was incredibly devoted to her son.
“Ms. Stakely made a difference in the lives of the students and families she worked with and she will be missed by so many in our community and beyond.”
Winchester Trail Elementary School, where Ms. Stakely worked as a speech therapist, held a vigil on Wednesday.
Close friends, colleagues and family members were invited to a private visitation at Grace Fellowship Church in Lithopolis on Thursday.
Mrs. Stakely’s obituary states that she will be buried in the church at a later date.
Police arrive on scene to find six-year-old Deluca Brynn Foster still in the stolen car
The car was parked in the driveway, idling, when a suspect stole it and drove away
Mrs Stakely was “extremely passionate” about her work and “always wanted to help others”, which was why she chose to become a therapist working with young children, the obituary said.
“Although Alexa was extremely passionate about her teaching and speech therapy, she cared for others and loved surrounding herself with students she could help. The love of her life was [her son] “Deluca,” it said.
a fundraising has now been set up to raise $15,000 to support her family during these difficult times.
Thanks to Mrs. Stakely’s heroism and tragedy, the country is now nearly $90,000 richer.