Makayla Renee Settles had moved to California to start a new life with her biological father, Stephen Chavez. She hoped the reunion would be a fresh start, but just two days later, the situation turned tragic.
Stephen Chavez Pleads Guilty
According to prosecutors, Chavez provided alcohol to his 18-year-old daughter and then engaged in s**ual relations with her. Months later, Makayla died by suicide. On May 18, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office announced that Chavez pleaded guilty to felony incest and a misdemeanor charge of supplying alcohol to a minor.
Prosecutors said he admitted taking advantage of a position of trust and that the victim was particularly vulnerable. He faces a maximum of three years in prison, a sentence Makayla’s family says is far too short.
Family Speaks Out About the Tragedy
Makayla’s mother, Carolina Sandoval, told Fox 11, “It just feels like my daughter’s life is only worth three years.” The family has been outspoken about seeking justice and has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness about the case. Sandoval described her daughter as a “sweet girl” who dreamed of becoming an architect or opening her own nail salon, and called her death heartbreaking and unnecessary.
What Happened in California
Prosecutors said Makayla moved into her father’s Moorpark home in July 2025, planning to attend college and begin a new chapter away from her North Carolina home. After attending a family gathering where she drank, Chavez purchased additional alcohol for both of them. Prosecutors say he then s**ually assaulted her at home. The teen died by suicide in December 2025.
Sandoval said she was the one who reported the crime to police and recalled the devastating moment, “The day it happened, he called me from prison, and I told him, ‘You killed my daughter, I don’t know who I’m bringing back,’ and here we are.”
Family’s Concerns Over Sentencing
Makayla’s family believes the charges and sentence are far too lenient. Chavez faces a maximum of three years in prison and 20 years of registering as a s*x offender. Sandoval said, “He got her drunk… she was intoxicated. She was taken advantage of physically and mentally. So if that’s not rape, I really don’t know what is.”
The District Attorney’s Office, however, said their decision was based on a careful review of forensic evidence, medical records, and electronic evidence. Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty said the office convened a team of top s**ual assault prosecutors to ensure the charges were appropriate. She added that they plan to seek the maximum sentence of three years in state prison.
“Makayla placed her trust and well-being in the defendant’s care, moving from North Carolina to California to start a new life with him,” McCarty said. “The defendant violated this trust and shattered the father-daughter relationship in an unimaginable way. Prison is the only appropriate sentence.”
Upcoming Sentencing
Stephen Chavez is expected to be sentenced at 9 a.m. on June 23 at the Ventura County Superior Court. He has been remanded into custody following his guilty plea.
This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences of abuse and betrayal of trust, showing how vulnerable young adults can be when placed in unsafe situations. Makayla’s family continues to seek justice and awareness to prevent similar tragedies.
