A Washington mother is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say she crashed an SUV carrying her two daughters on Interstate 5 and then attacked the girls with a knife.
Janieka Amber Marie Ellington, 35, was charged in Pierce County Superior Court following the October 5 incident near DuPont. Prosecutors allege the 35-year-old tried to kill her daughters in two separate ways — by crashing the vehicle and by attacking them with a knife.
The charges include four counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of vehicular assault and one count of felony harassment involving threats to kill. The attempted murder allegations include separate counts tied to the alleged stabbing attacks and the crash.
Children Were Inside the SUV During the Crash
According to investigators, Ellington woke her daughters during the night before the incident and told them that people were following them. The girls told investigators that their mother appeared convinced they needed to leave.
During the drive, Ellington allegedly made statements about killing the children before the people she believed were following them could get to them.
The situation became more dangerous as the SUV traveled south on I-5 near mile marker 118 shortly before 9 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing the vehicle being driven erratically.
Investigators say the SUV struck a concrete barrier, crossed the roadway, hit a semi-truck and then struck a barrier again before rolling over.
The vehicle eventually came to rest near the Center Drive area of DuPont.
After the crash, investigators say the situation turned into a physical attack.
Soldiers Help Stop the Knife Attack
Police documents allege Ellington continued attacking her daughters after the vehicle came to a stop.
The younger girl, identified in court records as 9 years old, was reportedly injured while still inside the vehicle. Investigators say she suffered a stab wound along with multiple injuries from the crash.
Ellington allegedly then went after her 15-year-old daughter after the teenager got out of the SUV.
Two soldiers from Joint Base Lewis-McChord were among the people who stopped to help. Sgt. Ricardo A. Nunez and Sgt. 1st Class Jeff Hytower intervened and helped take the knife away from Ellington.
A Washington National Guard combat medic also assisted at the scene.
The soldiers and another bystander were able to restrain Ellington until Washington State Patrol troopers arrived.
Their intervention came while the teenage girl was still trying to get away from the attack.
Both Girls Were Taken to the Hospital
Both children were taken to a hospital after the incident.
The older daughter suffered several injuries, including a fractured tibia, bruising, abrasions and a stab wound to her upper thigh, according to investigators.
The younger girl was also hospitalized with injuries that included a stab wound, an injured ankle, a cut to her hand, a head injury and significant back pain.
The case has raised serious concerns because the alleged attack unfolded alongside a dangerous freeway crash, putting not only the children but potentially other motorists at risk.
Alcohol Use Also Investigated
Investigators reported smelling alcohol on Ellington following the crash.
According to court documents, Ellington later told investigators that she had been drinking whiskey the night before and had not gone to sleep before getting behind the wheel.
Prosecutors have also alleged that the crash itself was part of the conduct used against the children. The charges therefore include attempted murder allegations connected to both the alleged knife attacks and the vehicle collision.
Ellington was initially taken to a hospital following the incident before being booked into the Pierce County Jail.
Judge Orders Mental Health Evaluation
A judge has ordered Ellington to undergo a competency evaluation as the case moves forward.
She is being held without bail while the competency issue is addressed. Her next court hearing is scheduled for October 20.
The case remains pending, and the allegations against Ellington have not been proven in court.
The quick intervention by the soldiers and other bystanders prevented the confrontation from continuing until law enforcement could take control of the scene.
