Columbus, OH – 17-year-old Rayvon Hawkins is set to be tried as an adult for murder after allegedly causing the death of Alexa Stakely, a 29-year-old mother, while attempting to steal her car. The incident occurred on July 11, 2024, when Hawkins and two other teenagers targeted Stakely’s running SUV, unaware that her 6-year-old son was inside.
The Tragic Incident
According to Columbus police, Stakely had parked her Honda CR-V outside a babysitter’s apartment and went back inside briefly, leaving the vehicle running with her son in the back seat. In the 45 seconds she was gone, Hawkins and two others allegedly attempted to steal the car. When Stakely returned to her vehicle and saw what was happening, she chased the SUV through the parking lot, but was tragically struck by it, suffering traumatic injuries that would later lead to her death.
The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene, leaving the little boy unharmed.
Teenager Faces Adult Charges
On September 3, 2024, a judge ruled to transfer Hawkins’ case from juvenile court to Franklin County’s Court of Common Pleas, where he will be charged as an adult. Hawkins, who was 16 years old at the time of the crime, faces multiple charges, including:
- Murder
- Robbery
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Failing to stop after an accident
Hawkins is currently being held at the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center on a $550,000 bond.
Hawkins’ Confession and Police Report
Hawkins, accompanied by his parents, turned himself in to police on July 24, 2024. In his statement, he confessed to taking the vehicle without realizing the child was inside and said he panicked when Stakely appeared in front of the car. He claimed to have driven off in a panic, striking Stakely and causing her to fall onto the pavement. Hawkins and his friends fled the scene immediately after the incident.
The victim was rushed to the hospital, where she died from her injuries hours later. Her 6-year-old son was unharmed.
Other Arrests and Legal Actions
20-year-old Gerald Dowling, who was 19 at the time of the incident, was also charged in connection with Stakely’s death. Dowling pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in July and was sentenced to seven to 10 1/2 years in prison in August…