In a shocking incident from Indianapolis, Indiana, Chanti Dixon, 30, a mother of two, was reportedly killed and sexually assaulted by her Uber driver, identified as Francisco Valadez.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD), Dixon was found dead on Monday, September 9, in a secluded forest area after she had booked a ride home from work early Sunday morning. Valadez was taken into custody on murder suspicion following his alleged confession to the crime.
As stated in a probable cause affidavit, Valadez, 29, initially presented inconsistent stories to the police regarding the incident. At first Valadez claimed that a “Black” man attempted to rob and shoot Dixon after he had dropped her off. But after a detailed investigation by the police, Valadez purportedly admitted to having attempted to engage in sexual activity with Dixon in his car’s rear seat. During the encounter, he shot Dixon in the head and later left her body behind a concrete barrier on a deserted street.
IMPD officials termed the incident as “disturbing” and “disgusting.” Assistant Police Chief Catherine Cummings of Indianapolis voiced her anger over the horrific crime, emphasizing that women, girls, and mothers have the right to exist without the dread of such atrocities befalling them. She extended her condolences to the victim’s family, referring to the incident as a family’s worst nightmare.
Dixon’s body was discovered by her family members who traced her phone to the wooded area near her residence. Valadez was further implicated in the crime by evidence found at the scene, including Dixon’s personal belongings. The authorities also stated that community assistance led to his identification as a suspect, resulting in his arrest. The investigation into the case is still underway.
Following the incident, Valadez has been prohibited from driving for Uber. The company issued a statement expressing condolences to Dixon’s family and reasserting their commitment to the safety of their riders.
To help cover the funeral costs and support her two children, aged 13 and 10, Dixon’s family has set up a GoFundMe page. Dixon’s sister, who started the fundraiser, depicted Chanti as a “devoted mother” and a person with a caring and fun-loving nature, whose laughter could brighten any room. The page has already raised several thousand dollars as the community mourns the loss of a cherished member.
The IMPD is urging anyone with additional information about any suspicious interactions with Valadez to report them. A dedicated hotline for tips regarding the case has been established, and community cooperation is deemed crucial for the ongoing investigation.
