Stephen Vincent Chavez is currently walking free on $250,000 bail while the family of his late daughter, Makayla Rene Settles, fights to ensure he faces a jury.
The tragedy began when 18-year-old Makayla moved to Moorpark to live with Chavez, her biological father. According to allegations from her family and law enforcement, she was assaulted within just 48 hours of arriving.
Following the report, a rape kit reportedly returned a DNA match, leading to Chavez’s arrest on felony charges of Incest (285 PC) and abuse of trust.
Tragically, the weight of the trauma became too much for Makayla, who took her own life five months after the incident.
Now, a new legal battle has emerged. Makayla’s family is sounding the alarm over fears that the Ventura County District Attorney may drop the case because the primary witness is no longer able to testify.
While the DA’s office maintains that the prosecution remains active, Chavez was able to post bond and is currently out of custody.
A pivotal court hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Room 14 of the Ventura Superior Court. The hearing is listed as an Early Disposition Conference and Miscellaneous Motion.
The community is now watching closely to see if the legal system will allow the case to proceed based on the forensic DNA evidence, or if the loss of Makayla’s testimony will result in a dismissal of the charges.
Transparency notes
Published: Apr 15, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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