The enraged family of a young North Carolina woman who was allegedly brutally raped by her own father and later died by suicide plans to rally at a California courthouse Tuesday in a bitter call for justice — amid fears the criminal case could fall apart.
Makayla Settles moved to Moorpark, California, about an hour west of Los Angeles, in July, eager for college and a fresh start with her biological father, Stephen Vincent Chavez, her family said.
Settles, 18, hoped to go to Moorpark College and moved in with Chavez, 41, who had promised her a car and a college savings fund, her mom, Carolina Sandoval, said.
But Settles fled the home barefoot, barely able to walk and with blood on her legs two days later, clutching her cat, passport, ID and a handful of graduation cash, her family claimed.
Her uncle had to carry her into Simi Valley Hospital, where a rape kit allegedly confirmed the horrifying incestuous act, her mom said.
Chavez, 41, was arrested and charged with four felonies, including incest, taking advantage of a position of trust and providing alcohol to a minor, according to a criminal complaint. He pleaded not guilty and later posted $250,000 bail.
Settles returned home to Raleigh, where she struggled with depression and mental health issues — and took her own life in December.
“He killed my daughter that night,” said Sandoval, 39, who declined to say how Settles killed herself.
The dad is due in Ventura County court Tuesday for a pre-trial hearing.
Settles’ family, who claims the rape kit confirmed the presence of Chavez’ DNA, said the Ventura County DA’s office told them the case was in danger of falling apart.
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.”
The DA’s office has “no intention of dropping the case,” a spokesperson said.
Chavez did not respond to requests for comment.
Settles was never the same after the assault, her mother said.
“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 mom said.
Settles’ grieving cousin Crystal Sandoval has been posting about the case on social media, calling attention to the disturbing allegations, and shared a TikTok post inviting people to the Ventura County courthouse before the hearing.
Some of the victim’s relatives are flying in from North Carolina, and plan to wear T-shirts reading “Justice for Makayla Renee Settles” with a purple heart and her photo on them.
“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,” Crystal said.
“This fight is for women who grew up thinking it was their fault, who grew up thinking that they asked for it.”