Indianapolis, IN — An Indianapolis woman has been charged with murder and criminal recklessness after prosecutors say a brief act of road rage turned deadly on the city’s west side last week.
What Happened
According to court records, the incident began when 21-year-old Kentrell Settles was stopped behind another vehicle at a red light near 38th Street and Georgetown Road. When the light turned green and the car in front didn’t move, Settles honked his horn.
Prosecutors say that simple honk enraged the driver, identified as 23-year-old Deborah Benefiel, who then followed Settles and fired a single shot into his car.
The Fatal Shooting
Police say the bullet shattered the back window of Settles’ vehicle and struck him, leaving him bleeding in the driver’s seat. Officers responded around 2 p.m. Friday and found the young man critically wounded. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
“He’s loved by so many people and so many people are going to miss him,” said his father, Kenneth Murff. “A precious life was taken for no reason.”
The Investigation and Arrest
Using license plate reader technology, IMPD officers quickly identified and tracked Benefiel’s SUV. She was arrested just a few hours after the shooting and taken into custody without incident.
“I’m a huge believer in license plate readers — it’s been a huge game changer,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, crediting the technology for the swift arrest.
Investigators said Benefiel refused to speak with police after her arrest. She was later identified as the shooter by Settles’ girlfriend, who was in the car at the time of the shooting.
What Officials Are Saying
“This is beyond senseless,” said Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “The victim in this case honks his horn and ends up losing his life.”
IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson called the situation “sad and disappointing,” adding, “People think it’s okay to pick up a firearm and take someone’s life over something so small.”
Both police and prosecutors emphasized the need for patience and restraint behind the wheel, as per Fox59.
“We have to be patient. We have to be calm,” said Thompson.
“If someone honks their horn, it’s not the end of the world,” added Mears. “It should never lead to gun violence.”
The Aftermath
Benefiel, who had no prior criminal history, is being held without bond pending trial.
Settles’ father hopes his son’s death serves as a reminder of how quickly anger can destroy lives.
“To make a rash decision like that doesn’t make sense,” Murff said. “It ruins more than your life — it ruins other people’s lives.”
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