Woman Rescues Struggling Swimmer, Later Learns He's Wanted for Double Murder

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A woman visiting Florida leapt into the ocean to save a struggling swimmer, only to later learn he was wanted for allegedly killing his wife and her suspected lover in a crime of passion. The woman, identified as Belinda, noticed the man screaming for help while walking near Riomar Beach and rushed to his aid, instructing him to get on his back and let the waves carry him back to shore. However, the man chillingly told Belinda he was 'going to take a long vacation,' and police later identified him as double-homicide suspect Jesse Scott Ellis.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of crime, as well as the potential risks that Good Samaritans can face when trying to help others. It also raises questions about how to balance compassion and public safety, especially in situations where the person in need may be a dangerous criminal.

The details

According to the report, Ellis, 64, allegedly gunned down his wife of 13 years, Stacie Ellis Mason, and her married colleague, Danny Ooley, in the parking lot of the Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach around 7 a.m. on March 24. Mason and Ooley are believed to have been having an affair. Security footage showed the pair arriving at the library in separate vehicles, with Mason exiting her car and climbing into Ooley's. Ellis then reportedly pulled into the parking lot, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, and fired multiple shots at Ooley's vehicle before fleeing the scene.

• On March 24, a woman visiting Florida noticed a man struggling in the ocean and rushed to his aid.
• Around 7 a.m. on March 24, Ellis allegedly gunned down his wife and her suspected lover in the parking lot of the Indian River County Main Library in Vero Beach.
• After the rescue, the man chillingly told the woman he was 'going to take a long vacation.'

What they’re saying

What’s next

Ellis is still at large, and residents in the Vero Beach area should be aware of an increased law enforcement presence as the search for the suspect continues. It's unclear if he ultimately killed himself in the ocean.