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Alleged Crime

21-year-old Kentrell Settles was behind the wheel of a 2006 Chevy Malibu on October 17th, 2025, sitting at a red light in Indianapolis, Indiana, at 2 pm. His girlfriend sat in the passenger seat.

When the light turned green, the Ford in front of him didn’t move, so he blew his horn and drove around it.

Police say the driver of the Ford became angry and sought revenge.

They alleged that she followed Settles’ vehicle while yelling, honking her horn, and making hand gestures.

When Settles turned right into a plaza, a shot rang out, and it hit him in the chest. His girlfriend saw he was hurt, so she sat on his lap, took the wheel, and drove to her parents’ home nearby. From there, they called the police, and Settles was taken to the hospital, where he passed away.

Investigation

The investigation moved quickly thanks to the victim’s girlfriend. She noticed that the Ford was green and had a pink fuzzy steering wheel cover.

She also identified the driver as a Hispanic female in her 20s with long dark hair.

License plate readers also helped police in the investigation.

Investigators were able to follow the shooter’s movements before and after Settles was shot.

The vehicle had a couple of stickers on the windshield and had a temporary license plate. The car was registered to Michelle Benefiel. Her 23-year-old daughter, Deborah Benefiel, became the focus of the investigation.

And the victim’s girlfriend identified her from a photo array.

Hours after the incident, police went to the Benefiel home and apprehended Michelle and Deborah.

When they searched the home, they found a gun.

Michelle was not charged with a crime, but Deborah is being charged with murder and criminal recklessness.

She was not given a bond and will remain behind bars until trial.

She could receive between 45 and 65 years in prison if she is convicted of the murder charge.