Influencer Accused of Attempting to Kill Daughters After Freeway Crash

A body positivity influencer and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) scholar has been accused of attempting to kill her two daughters. Janieka Ellington, 35, is facing charges including four counts of attempted murder following an incident on a busy freeway in Washington state.

Authorities allege that Ellington deliberately crashed her SUV into a concrete barrier along Interstate 5 in Dupont, Washington, on October 5. According to a probable cause affidavit, she then attempted to stab her two children after the collision.

Ellington was arrested at the scene and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. She is currently being held in jail without bail as she awaits a mental health evaluation. She has not yet entered a plea to the charges, which also include two counts of vehicular assault and felony harassment.

Investigators stated that Ellington was unemployed at the time of the incident and reportedly struggling with anxiety and depression. She had previously posted on social media about her efforts to empower America's youth, particularly after graduating with a master's degree in criminal justice from Walden University.

Reports indicate the alleged assault occurred just hours after a state trooper assisted Ellington when her vehicle ran out of gas on the side of the road. The trooper reportedly filled a gas container and helped her refuel her car.

Ellington had previously been vocal about her advocacy work, dedicating her research and efforts to public policy change and empowering young people. Images from her past show her celebrating her graduation in a cap and gown, with social media posts highlighting her academic achievements and commitment to social causes.