California Dad Faces Incest Charges in Alleged Assault on Daughter; Case Could Be Dismissed
Father Charged with Incest After Allegedly Assaulting Daughter
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – Makayla Rene Settles, an 18-year-old who moved to California from North Carolina for a fresh start, tragically died by suicide five months after allegedly being assaulted by her biological father, Stephen Vincent Chavez. Her family is now advocating for justice, seeking to ensure that Chavez faces trial for his alleged crimes.
After relocating to Moorpark, California, to live with Chavez, Makayla reached out to her family shortly after arriving, expressing fear and distress. "I didn’t need details. I knew something was wrong," said her mother, Carolina Sandoval, who quickly traveled to her daughter’s aid.
Upon arrival at Chavez’s home, Carolina found Makayla in a fragile state, barely able to walk. She was subsequently taken to a hospital, where a rape kit was performed, yielding positive results for Chavez’s DNA. That same night, he was arrested and charged with incest, taking advantage of a position of trust, and providing alcohol to a minor.
Crystal Sandoval, Makayla’s cousin, reflected on the shocking incident, saying, "I just kept thinking, why would he do that to her? This is something she could not come back from." Five months later, Makayla took her own life, leaving her family devastated. "If I’m being honest, it feels like I handed my daughter to the devil," Carolina expressed.
Following the event, Chavez sent a text message to Carolina, admitting, "I’m never drinking liquor again. I don’t want that blackout to happen again."
The family recently faced another setback when they were informed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office that Makayla’s death could complicate the case. According to Crystal, authorities indicated that without her testimony, the trial could be jeopardized. "I immediately said, ‘No, we’re not going to let that slide,’" she stated, determined to pursue justice.
Crystal took to social media to raise awareness, and her videos went viral, generating significant public outrage and encouraging many to attend Chavez’s upcoming court hearing, scheduled for April 21 at the Ventura County Courthouse. "It was like he took her sunshine away and just kind of broke her soul," she lamented.
In response to public concern, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement affirming that the Sexual Assault Unit is actively prosecuting the case. The statement clarified that felony charges were filed based on strong evidence, and although bail has been set at $250,000, Chavez has since posted bail and remains out of custody. The upcoming April 21 hearing will serve as a pretrial conference to discuss the case’s status.
As the family continues their fight for justice, they remain resilient despite the challenges ahead, with Chavez pleading not guilty. His next court appearance is set for 8:30 a.m. in Courtroom 14 at the Ventura County Courthouse.
