The heartbroken family of a young woman from North Carolina, who they say was brutally raped by her biological father before she tragically took her own life, is organizing a rally at a California courthouse on Tuesday. They are concerned that the ongoing criminal case might not hold up.
Makayla Settles moved to Moorpark, California, in July, seeking a fresh start and hoping to attend college with her father, Steven Vincent Chavez, her family explained.
At just 18, she planned to enroll at Moorpark College and lived with Chavez, 41, who had promised her a car and a college fund, according to her mother, Carolina Sandoval.
However, just two days after moving in, Settles allegedly escaped the house, barely able to walk and bleeding from her feet. She left with only her cat, passport, ID, and some graduation cash, as her family stated.
Her uncle rushed her to Simi Valley Hospital, where a rape kit reportedly confirmed the dreadful incident of incest, as per her mother’s account.
Chavez was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including incest and providing alcohol to a minor. He has pleaded not guilty and posted a $250,000 bail shortly thereafter.
Settles returned to her hometown of Raleigh but struggled with severe depression and other mental health issues before her suicide in December.
“He killed my daughter that night,” Sandoval said, choosing not to disclose how Settles ended her life.
The father is due in Ventura County Court for a pretrial hearing on Tuesday.
According to Settles’ family, DNA from Chavez was found on the rape kit, and they were informed by the Ventura County Attorney’s Office that the case could be jeopardized.
“I had a feeling it wouldn’t go well since Makayla isn’t here,” Deputy Prosecutor Tessa McCarty reportedly mentioned, claiming that Sandoval sought advice on how to proceed.
However, a spokesperson assured that “there’s no intention to drop the case.”
Chavez has not responded to any requests for comments.
Settles, her mother noted, drastically changed after the assault.
“She thought her life would be like a dream in California, like what you see on TV. But everything was taken from her,” Sandoval said.
Settles’ cousin, Crystal Sandoval, shared details about the incident on social media to raise awareness. She invited people to be present at the Ventura County Courthouse for the hearing.
Some of Makayla’s relatives have flown in from North Carolina and plan to wear T-shirts reading “Justice for Makayla Rennie Reconciliation,” adorned with her photo and a purple heart.
“We’re fighting for justice, not only for Makayla but for all women who fear sharing their stories,” Crystal stated.
“This fight is for women who grew up believing it was their fault,” she added.
