What to Know
Makayla Renee Settles moved from her home in North Carolina to live with her biological father, Stephen Vincent Chavez, while attending college in California. Just two days after the 18-year-old arrived, Chavez bought her alcohol and had sex with her.
Less than five months later, Settles died by suicide. A court sentenced the father to one year in prison, leaving her family wondering what happened to the justice system.
Chavez reported her father’s sexual assault.
According to a news release from Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, the inappropriate behavior began almost immediately after moving into Chavez’s Moorpark home.
“After a day of drinking at a family gathering, Chavez purchased additional alcohol for himself and his daughter to consume at home. Chavez then engaged in sexual intercourse with her,” the district attorney’s office said in a news release.
Fox 11 reported that Settles went to a hospital following the attack, and a rape kit confirmed the presence of Chavez’s DNA
Chavez faced a charge of incest.
Nasarenko explained that he and a team of ten prosecutors looked at all of the evidence and could not charge Chavez with rape.
“The office also consulted with experienced prosecutors and legal experts from another county. After this extensive review, all concluded that incest was the only felony charge supported by the law, facts, and admissible evidence,” Nasarenko concluded.
The case outraged Settles’ family.
Carolina Sandoval filed a wrongful death suit on June 5, 2026, holding Chavez responsible for their daughter’s death, the Ventura County Star reported. Sandoval was staying nearby on the night of the attack and drove her daughter to the hospital for a sexual assault forensic exam. Her mother, Carolina Sandoval, told the Star that everything changed the night of the attack.
“She was full of life, she was outgoing, she was funny, … but when I brought her back, it was a totally different person,” Sandoval said.
Carolina Sandoval said that she is extremely proud of her daughter’s bravery following the attack.
“I want her to be remembered as a beautiful soul and so innocent from all the evil in this world, but also brave enough to speak up,” she said. “As excruciating as it was, she went through all the things that you’re supposed to do.”
She blames Chavez for hurting their daughter so deeply that she took her own life in December 2025.
Settles’ family is raising money for the lawsuit.
Crystal Sandoval created a GoFundMe to help raise money for legal fees associated with pursuing Settles’ case.
“Despite clear evidence, including a rape kit, a statement to the police, and a recorded interview at the safe house, the Ventura County District Attorney has told us that none of this can be used because Makayla is no longer here to speak for herself,” she wrote.
“This has left us feeling helpless and heartbroken, but we refuse to let her story end without a fight. We are raising funds to hire a civil lawyer who can take on Makayla’s case and help us pursue justice, not just for her, but for others who may face similar circumstances,” Crystal Sandoval added.
A judge sentenced Chavez to one year in the Ventura County Jail and three years of felony probation for his incest conviction.
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