Content warning: This article contains descriptions of alleged sexual abuse, incest, and suicide.

Imagine moving to a different town to be with your biological father and begin your college journey, only to have the worst tragedy of your life happen to you. This is exactly what happened to Makayla Renee Settles, 18, who moved from North Carolina to Moorpark, California, in July 2025 to live with her biological father.

Stephen Vincent Chavez, 41, Makayla’s father, initially welcomed her. However, two days later, he sexually assaulted her under the influence of alcohol.

Months after this abuse, Makayla died by suicide in December 2025.

Chavez pleaded guilty to incest and sexual abuse charges in California in May 2026. The case has since drawn fresh outrage after disturbing text messages between him and his ex-wife surfaced following the young woman’s death.

According to The Mirror, Chavez entered a guilty plea on May 18 to felony incest and additional sexual abuse-related charges tied to Makayla’s death.

Deputy District Attorney Tessa McCarty described the betrayal as devastating. In the aftermath of the case, text exchanges obtained by the NY Post and shared by Makayla’s mother, Carolina Sandoval, revealed tense conversations between her and Chavez after the teenager’s suicide. In one message, Sandoval wrote:

“I gave her the rope when I gave her to you.”

Sandoval accused Chavez of “just thinking about yourself” and added:

“I’ll never forgive myself for handing her to the devil.”

Sandoval also wrote that she has “more experience” from Makayla’s phone and will reveal everything in her meeting with the DA. She then told him that she’ll see him in court, to which Chavez replied:

“I’m not afraid.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Chávez’s sentencing is due on June 23 in Ventura County.

Reportedly, he acknowledged exploiting her daughter’s confidence during a fragile time. After Makayla arrived in Moorpark, Chavez took her to a family gathering where they consumed alcohol. According to People, Prosecutors said:

“After a day of drinking at a family gathering, Chavez purchased additional alcohol for him and his daughter to drink at home. Chavez then engaged in sexual intercourse with her.”

Her family claimed that she fled home barefoot, had blood on her legs and was barely able to walk. He had her cat, her passport, her ID and some cash when she reached her home.

Her uncle took her into Simi Valley Hospital, where a r-pe kit confirmed Chavez’s DNA and revealed the incest act.

Chavez was arrested on four felonies, including incest, taking advantage of a position of trust and providing alcohol to a minor. Following the arrest, he was released after posting $250,000 bail.