US3 min(s) read
Published 09:41 21 Apr 2026 GMT
The devastated family of a young woman who died by suicide after allegedly being raped by her own father plans to rally outside a California courthouse to fight for justice.
According to her family, Makayla Settles moved to Moorpark, California, to start college and live with her biological father, Stephen Vincent Chavez, last July.
The recent high school graduate, 18, was promised a car and a college savings fund by Chavez, 41, to help her when she started at Moorpark College at the end of the summer.
Tragically, her California dream quickly turned into a nightmare as just two days later she fled her father's home barefoot, barely able to walk, with blood on her legs, clutching her cat, passport, ID, and a handful of graduation cash, her family has claimed.
Settles’ heartbroken mother, Caroline Sandoval, 39, said that the teenager was carried to Simi Valley hospital by her uncle, where a rape kit reportedly confirmed the appalling incestuous act and violent crime that had been committed against her.
Chavez, 41, was arrested and charged with four felonies, including incest, taking advantage of a position of trust, and providing alcohol to a minor. However, he pleaded not guilty and later posted $250,000 bail.
Upon her return home to Raleigh, North Carolina, Settles struggled with depression and mental health issues and sadly took her own life in December.
Sandoval said: “He killed my daughter that night.”
“She was so confident that over there everything was just going to be a dream, California living, like what you see on TV, and all of that was taken away from her,” the mother added.
Chavez’s pre-trial hearing will be held on Tuesday at Ventura County Court, but there are fears that the case could fall apart, although the rape kit confirmed the presence of the defendant’s DNA, according to Settles’ family.
Deputy DA Tessa McCarty “was preparing me that it wasn’t looking good because Makayla wasn’t here,” Sandoval claimed.
“She consulted her supervisor and a colleague to figure out how to move forward.”
A spokesperson for the DA’s office said there is “no intention of dropping the case.”
Campaigning for justice, Settles’ family and friends are flying in from North Carolina to protest outside the courthouse, wearing T-shirts that read “Justice for Makayla Renee Settles,” featuring a purple heart and her photo.
Crystal Sandoval, Settles’ grieving cousin, has been sharing details and updates on the case on social media and has posted a TikTok inviting people to join the demonstration outside the courthouse.
She said: “We’re not only fighting for justice for Makayla but also for all of you women out there who have lived in fear to share their story.
“This fight is for women who grew up thinking it was their fault, who grew up thinking that they asked for it.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
