Driver in Custody After Allegations of Assault and Homicide Involving Passenger
An Uber driver in Indiana faces serious allegations of raping and murdering a mother of two after she requested a ride home from her job.
Francisco Valadez has been taken into custody on murder charges following the discovery of Chanti Dixon’s deceased body, aged 30, on Monday, September 9, according to a statement from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
Authorities reported that Dixon was murdered in the early hours of September 8, with her remains discovered in a forested location the following day.
Authorities identified Valadez as a suspect thanks to valuable input from the community, as stated in the release. Authorities claimed he was a rideshare driver who had picked up Dixon prior to her demise.
A probable cause affidavit detailed by ABC News, WISH, and WTHR reveals that Valadez, after providing inconsistent statements, reportedly confessed to the fatal shooting of Dixon during an attempt to engage in sexual activity with her in the rear of his vehicle.
The status of Valadez regarding formal charges and legal representation remains uncertain.
According to ABC, referencing the affidavit, Valadez first stated that he had dropped Dixon off and that a man attempted to rob her, resulting in a gunshot wound to her leg. However, he reportedly confessed after being interviewed.
“Women, girls, mothers have a right to exist freely in our community without fear of something heinous happening to them,” Indianapolis Assistant Police Chief Catherine Cummings said, according to ABC.
“They have a right to walk, bike, order, rideshare without fearing something bad will happen to them. This is a family’s worst nightmare, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family during this trying time.”
A GoFundMe initiated by the victim’s sister reveals that Dixon was a mother to two children, aged 13 and 10.