A morning walk along the shores of Vero Beach took a dramatic and unexpected turn when a local woman rescued a distressed swimmer, only to later discover he was a wanted double-homicide suspect on the run.
The incident unfolded on the morning of March 24 near Riomar Beach in Indian River County. A beachgoer, identified only as Belinda, was enjoying a routine walk when she heard a man screaming for help from the ocean waves. Recognizing the signs of a swimmer in severe distress, she immediately sprang into action.
According to reports from WPBF and the Vero Beach Police Department, Belinda rushed into the water to assist the struggling man. She calmly instructed him to float on his back and allow the ocean currents to safely carry him toward the shoreline.
“I said, ‘Do it! Get on your back and stay on your back. Let the waves carry you. You can do it. Come on.'”
Video footage released by the Vero Beach Police captures the aftermath of the rescue, showing the Good Samaritan stooping beside the exhausted man on the sand. On the shore, the swimmer stated that he was entirely exhausted, vowed never to swim out that far again, and chillingly mentioned that he planned to take a “long vacation.”
Authorities quickly realized the gravity of the situation. Police identified the rescued swimmer as Jesse Ellis, a fugitive wanted in connection with a tragic double murder. Ellis is the prime suspect in the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, Stacie Mason, and her romantic partner, Danny Ooley. The tragedy has deeply impacted the local community, as both victims were dedicated public servants employed by the Indian River County Public Works Department.
Incident Summary:
- Location: The rescue occurred off the coast of Riomar Beach in Vero Beach.
- The Victims: Stacie Mason and Danny Ooley, both local Indian River County public works employees.
- Current Status: Police are actively searching for the suspect, Jesse Ellis, who fled after the rescue and remains at large.
Reflecting on the surreal encounter, Belinda stated she was completely unaware of the man’s criminal background during the rescue. While she maintains that human instinct dictates saving a life in peril regardless of the circumstances, she noted that knowing his true identity would have prompted an immediate call to 911. Residents of Vero Beach and the greater Treasure Coast area are urged to remain vigilant as law enforcement continues the search for Ellis.
