Content warning: This article discusses suicide and sexual assault. Please take care while reading.
Loved ones are asking for help regarding Makayla Rene Settles‘ family’s legal fees. Those fees support the criminal case against Settles’ biological father, Stephen Vincent Chavez. Chavez allegedly sexually assaulted his daughter after she left North Carolina to live with him in Moorpark, California, last year.
In July 2025, Chavez was arrested and charged in connection with the case. Since then, though, the Ventura County prosecutors have said the case may not move forward because Settles is no longer alive to testify. On April 21, a hearing is scheduled between the Ventura District Attorney and Settles’ family to determine whether Chavez could go to trial.
What happened to Makayla Rene Settles?
According to social media posts and community reports, in July 2025, Settles — described as 18 at the time of her death — had recently moved from out of state to California to live with Chavez. She dreamed of living in California and planned to attend Moorpark College. But two days after she arrived, she called her mother, telling her that Chavez sexually assaulted her.
While still in California, Settles reportedly sought medical care and treatment for the alleged abuse. She reported the abuse to the authorities and lived in a safe house before returning to North Carolina.
Settles continued to live with trauma and later died by suicide. In July, California police arrested Chavez and charged him with sexual assault and abuse involving a family member.
A GoFundMe supporting Settles’ family’s legal fees says in part,
We’re asking for your support to stand with our family in this fight for justice and to show the Ventura County DA that Makayla is loved and supported.”
via Fundraiser by Crystal Sandoval: Justice for Makayla
The post adds, “Your donation will help us cover the legal fees needed to keep Makayla’s voice alive and ensure her story is heard. Thank you for standing with us and for Makayla.”
According to true crime creator Alma Rose, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office says,
Because she’s no longer with us, the case is like a he-said/she-said. Even if there is evidence and a statement, prosecutors have to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt in court.”
via Alma Rose, Facebook
“When someone is no longer here to testify,” Rose added, “it becomes much harder to move forward legally. That’s why officials are saying, there may not be enough to proceed.”
Chavez plans to speak to the press
Citing court documents, true crime creator Matt Thibodeau says that, after his arrest, Chavez posted a $500,000 bond and continues to live in the Moorpark area. Thibodeau says Chavez told Settles’ mother he has no memory of the alleged assault, and though he denies it happened and pleaded not guilty, he may have blacked out from drinking. According to Thibodeau, Chavez will soon speak to the media and plans to clear his name.
Published: Apr 2, 2026 01:36 pm