California Dad Accused of Sexually Assaulting Teen Daughter May See Case Dismissed After Her Suicide

Relatives of an 18‑year‑old woman who died by suicide after allegedly being raped by her biological father are speaking out about the possibility that the criminal case against him could be dismissed because she can no longer testify. Crystal Sandoval, the cousin of Makayla Rene Settles, told Fox LA that prosecutors expressed concern about moving forward without the alleged victim. “The DA was essentially saying, ‘We don’t know if we have a case because she’s no longer here,’” Sandoval said. “I immediately said, ‘No, we’re not going to let that slide.’”

Makayla had been living in Raleigh, North Carolina, before moving to Moorpark, California, to live with her biological father, Stephen Vincent Chavez. Family said she planned to attend college and start a new life on the West Coast.

On July 21, 2025, just two days after her move, Makayla called her mother, Carolina Sandoval, in North Carolina. “It was just the fear in her voice, her crying,” Carolina told Fox LA. “I didn’t need details. I knew something was wrong, and I said, ‘I’m on the way.’”

When Carolina arrived in California, she said her daughter was barely walking. A rape kit was completed at a nearby hospital. According to the family, seminal fluid recovered during the exam tested positive for Stephen Chavez’s DNA. He was arrested that night on charges including incest, taking advantage of a position of trust, and providing alcohol to a minor.

“I was screaming, I was crying,” Crystal Sandoval said. “This is something she could not come back from.”

On December 28, 2025, Makayla died by suicide. Her mother told the station, “If I’m being honest, it feels like I handed my daughter to the devil.” Carolina also shared that while Makayla was in the hospital, Stephen Chavez sent her a text message saying, “I’m never drinking liquor again. I don’t want that blackout to happen again.”

Family members said they were devastated to learn from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office that the case might not go to trial due to Makayla’s death. Crystal Sandoval began a social media campaign to demand justice, and hundreds of people have committed to attending Chavez’s next court hearing on April 21 at the Ventura County Courthouse.

“It was like he took her sunshine away and just kind of broke her soul,” Sandoval said.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office issued a statement saying it is aware of the social media campaign. “Our Sexual Assault Unit continues to prosecute the defendant for this extremely serious crime,” the statement read. “This case has been filed since July 2025, when the evidence supported the filing of felony charges. As with any case, prosecutors filed charges based on the evidence.”

The office added that it successfully argued to increase bail to $250,000 in July 2025. Chavez later posted that amount and was released from custody. The April 21 hearing is described as an early disposition conference, a standard pretrial proceeding to address the status of the case.

Family members said they have been told not to expect a trial, though the DA’s office has not confirmed that. Us Weekly was unable to reach anyone in the prosecutor’s office for further comment.