LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Ariel Walters, the suspect at the center of a days-long Amber Alert in Lakewood, went before a judge Tuesday morning where her bond was continued at $500,000 and the case was bound over to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.
Walters, 29, faces a charge of attempted aggravated murder as she allegedly stabbed her husband on Christmas Eve morning before taking her 1-year-old daughter, which triggered the Amber Alert.
“This is a seriously violent offense,” the judge declared during Tuesday’s hearing in Lakewood Municipal Court. “The victim was hospitalized with critical injuries. I think the bond is appropriate to assure her appearance for her next court date. The Court of Common Pleas can very well adjust that once you have your hearing next week.”
Police say the incident dates back to around 2:20 a.m. on Christmas Eve morning when officers responded to the scene where a 30-year-old man had been stabbed.
The Amber Alert was canceled Friday after police say the child was safely returned and Walters turned herself in.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8. If convicted on that charge, the judge said Walters faces a fine up to $20,000 and a jail sentence of 3-11 years.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE OF THE CASE...
- Amber Alert ends after Lakewood 1-year-old Choice Walters returned safely; mother accused of taking her turns herself in
- Amber Alert extends into post-Christmas week, Lakewood police urge mother of child to cooperate
- 'We are concerned about the safety of the child' | Amber Alert remains active as Lakewood police ask for help locating missing 1-year-old and mother
- Amber Alert ongoing for 1-year-old Lakewood girl after mother stabs husband, flees with daughter