Full Breakdown
Florida Woman Rescues Double Homicide Suspect from Ocean
4/7/2026, 12:58:21 AM
Incident Overview
On March 24, 2023, a woman named Belinda rescued a man from the ocean near Riomar Beach in Vero Beach, Florida, who has since been identified as Jesse Ellis, a 64-year-old suspect in a double homicide. The incident unfolded when Belinda heard Ellis calling for help while struggling in the water. She entered the ocean and instructed him to float on his back to be carried to shore. After reaching safety, Ellis expressed exhaustion and mentioned plans for a "long vacation," unaware that he was being sought by law enforcement.
Background of the Homicide
Jesse Ellis is the primary suspect in the fatal shootings of his estranged wife, Stacie Mason, and her partner, Danny Ooley, both employees of the Indian River County Public Works Department. The shootings occurred around 7 a.m. on the same day as the ocean rescue, in a parking lot near the Indian River County Public Library. Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey described the incident as a "crime of passion," noting that Mason and Ellis had been married for 13 years and were in the process of separating.
Rescue Details
Belinda, who was walking along the beach, heard faint cries for help and rushed into the water. She later recounted, “I could hear a faint ‘help, help, help.’” After assisting Ellis to shore, she was unaware of his identity or the allegations against him. Upon learning of his status as a homicide suspect, she stated that she would have called 911 immediately had she known, but emphasized her moral obligation to help anyone in distress: “I could not leave anyone in the water, no matter what. Everybody’s going through something.”
Ongoing Investigation
Following the rescue, police released video footage showing Belinda assisting Ellis on the beach. Investigators later determined that the man she rescued was indeed Ellis, who has an active warrant for two counts of first-degree murder. Despite extensive search efforts, Ellis remains at large, and authorities have advised the public not to approach him. Indian River County officials continue to seek information regarding his whereabouts, urging anyone with leads to contact 911.
Official Statements
Vero Beach Police Chief David Currey has characterized the situation as a tragic intersection of a heroic act and a serious crime. He reiterated the importance of public vigilance in locating Ellis, who is considered dangerous.
Criticism & Opposition
Some community members have expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the rescue, questioning the implications of aiding a suspect in such serious crimes. However, Belinda maintains that her instinct to help was paramount, regardless of the man's identity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I could not leave anyone in the water, no matter what,” — Belinda, Rescuer
- “crime of passion,” — David Currey, Vero Beach Police Chief
- “And he said, ‘No, I’m exhausted. I would never go out that far again’… And he said, ‘I think I’m going to take a long vacation.’” — Jesse Ellis, after being rescued
This incident highlights the complexities of human compassion in the face of criminality, as well as the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to apprehend a suspect in a deeply troubling case.
