Police release new surveillance video in fatal carjacking that killed single mother Alexa Stakely

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Columbus police have released new information about three suspects in a fatal carjacking that resulted in the death of a single mother last week.

Police released new surveillance videos Wednesday showing the suspects after they stole 29-year-old Alexa Stakely’s car with her sleeping 6-year-old son in the back seat. The fatal carjacking took place on July 11 at approximately 1:30 a.m.

The new video shows one of the suspects driving Stakely’s Honda with two other suspects chasing after it, happening moments after Stakely was hit and killed. Police said the suspects then abandoned the Honda and the three of them walked away, heading north on Brynwood Green Drive.

Police said Stakely attempted to stop the carjacking and save her son when she was killed. Her son was found safe and asleep in the Honda.

Stakely, a single mother who worked as a speech therapist in Canal Winchester, had just finished a shift at her second job when she arrived at her son’s babysitter’s apartment to pick up the child when the incident happened.

With the way the suspects walked around the area, police said they may be familiar with the community and either live there or know people who live there.

Police are asking residents of Brynwood Green Drive, White Oak Park Condominiums, The Green, Brynwood Reserve, The Residences at James Place, and the Residents at Akita Lane for any video they may have that shows the suspects in the early morning of July 11.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Columbus Police Det. Lemmon at 614-645-2558, email ralemmon@columbuspolice.org, or scan the QR code to submit any relevant video of the incident.

Vigil held Wednesday night

A few hours after the release of the new video, a vigil was held in the parking lot of Winchester Trails Elementary School, where Stakely taught for years.

A lot of tears were shed as people shared their favorite memories of Stakely. It was clear that she made a huge impact and touched the lives of many. Parents are thanking her for helping their children with their speech and her family said the outpouring of support has meant so much to them.

“Everything she did for her students, friends, family and her son was always out of love that stayed strong to this day. I will miss Alexa immensely,” one of her coworkers said.

“She was so hopeful about her future and excited for new beginnings. We’ve been so angry and sad. It’ll get easier, but it’s really heavy right now,” said another.

Multiple people came forward to honor Stakely. She was a dedicated mother and a speech-language pathologist who worked hard to make a difference.

“She fought for all the right things. When people say she was a fighter, she was a fighter,” said a third co-worker.

Candles were lit and balloons were released, celebrating a person who touched the lives of many. Her brother Braedyn Price said it was amazing to see.

“She would love to see how truly popular she was,” Price said. “She’s like that. But I didn’t know exactly how deep her hands were into the community but it’s a blessing to see everybody here supporting, and it touches me deeply.”

While he said the family is doing the best they can, the whole thing has been tough to process.

“I think the majority of us just can’t even believe it’s still real and it’s going to take some time, but she was my best friend, and I’m going to miss her a lot,” Price said. “It’s just very hard to lose someone like that.”

As for how he plans on keeping her legacy alive, one way he’s doing that is by getting a tattoo in memory of her.

“Just continue to live life how she did and just keep praying about her and thinking about her,” Price said.

Parent Katie Griffin said both her children had “Ms. Alexa” as a teacher, thanking her for the progress both her children made.

“She made an astronomical difference in our daily life,” Griffin said. “It was amazing seeing the changes in both my children.”

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