A woman named Belinda, visiting Florida, jumped into the ocean to assist a swimmer in distress, only to later find out that he was a double murder suspect. This surprising twist emerged from reports detailing her encounter near Riomar Beach on March 24.
As Belinda walked along the beach, she heard a man, later identified as Jesse Scott Ellis, calling for help. Without hesitation, she ran into the water to save him. She recounted her experience, saying, “He told me he was tired, but I urged him to climb onto my back to ride the waves in.” Despite her encouragement, he dismissed her with a nonchalant comment about taking a long vacation instead.
Footage released by law enforcement captured the moment Belinda crouched next to Ellis as he emerged from the waves.
Ellis, 64, is accused of fatally shooting his wife of 13 years, Stacey Ellis Mason, and her co-worker, Danny Woolley, on the morning of March 24 at the Indian River County Library parking lot in Vero Beach. Reports indicate that Mason and Woolley, both employed by the local government, were involved in an affair.
Surveillance cameras showed both individuals arriving at the library in separate vehicles, after which Mason went to Woolley’s residence. Not long after that, Ellis, armed with an AR-15-style rifle, opened fire on Woolley’s car before fleeing.
Subsequently, witnesses reported a man, presumably Ellis, walking into the water fully clothed. When rescuers arrived and assessed the situation, they concluded that no rescue was necessary, only to later discover the man had used a false name.
Following the incident, police executed a search warrant on Ellis’ truck, found in South Beach Park. There, they discovered wet clothing, an empty holster, and a magazine for a .380 caliber firearm. Further investigation revealed writings that indicated he may have been contemplating self-harm.
Vero Beach Police Chief David Curry disclosed that these documents dated back to early March and expressed Ellis’ mental struggles, detailing his pain and distress.
As of Monday night, Ellis was still at large. Authorities advised the public of an increased police presence in the area as searches continued, and there remains uncertainty about whether he may have taken his own life in the ocean.
Despite learning about his violent allegations, Belinda stated she still would have jumped in to help but would have contacted 911 immediately if she had known the truth. “We couldn’t just leave him there,” she said. “Everyone is dealing with something.”
Ellis is wanted on two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, a serious charge that may carry the death penalty if he is captured.
