Crime
18-year-old Makayla Settles took her own life after being raped for 4 hours by her own father Stephen Vincent Chavez
A North Carolina teenager’s death is drawing national attention and renewed calls for accountability as her family continues to seek justice following allegations of prolonged sexual abuse involving her father.
Makayla Settles, who had recently turned 18, graduated from high school in North Carolina before relocating to Moorpark, California, with plans to live with her father and begin college.
According to family members, the move was something she had long anticipated, as she hoped to build a new life and pursue opportunities in California.
Relatives accompanied her to California to help ease the transition. However, just two days after arriving, on July 21, Makayla contacted her mother in distress, urgently asking to be picked up. When her mother and uncle arrived, they found her in severe physical and emotional condition.
Family members reported that she was unable to walk without assistance and appeared to be in significant pain.
Makayla alleged that her father, identified as Stephen Vincent Chavez, had intoxicated and sexually assaulted her over an extended period.
She was transported to a hospital for treatment, where medical personnel conducted a forensic examination.
According to the family, evidence collected during that examination included the presence of the suspect’s DNA.
Authorities arrested Chavez the same day, and he was charged with incest and forcible rape.
Court records indicate that he was granted a $500,000 bond and was later released after posting bail.
Family members say Makayla provided statements to investigators detailing the alleged assault. However, in the months that followed, they report she struggled significantly with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident.
Despite attempts to move forward—including completing training in nail technology and preparing to begin working—her condition reportedly deteriorated.
On December 22, just days after completing her training, Makayla attempted to take her own life.
Emergency responders arrived and were able to revive her before transporting her to a hospital, where she was placed in a medically induced coma.
After six days, she was declared brain dead.
Her death has raised complex legal questions regarding the prosecution of the case.
According to the family, prosecutors have indicated there may be challenges moving forward without her live testimony, despite prior statements and forensic evidence.
A court proceeding scheduled for April 21 is expected to address how the case will proceed, with the district attorney, defense counsel, and a judge set to review the status of the charges.
Supporters and community members have announced plans to gather outside the Ventura County Courthouse ahead of the hearing to advocate for continued prosecution and accountability.
Makayla’s family continues to call for justice, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the case is fully pursued and that no similar harm is inflicted on others.
Crime
Matthew S. Stone Identified as Suspect in Erie Mass Shooting That Left Nine Dead
ERIE, Pa. — Matthew S. Stone, also known as Matt Stone, has reportedly been identified as the suspected gunman in a deadly mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The shooting reportedly claimed nine lives, including those of his daughter, Angelina Stone, and her two young children, according to information shared by family members and other reports.
Authorities responded to a residence at 722 Perry Street at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.
The incident developed into an hours-long standoff before officers entered the home and found multiple victims.
The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, reportedly from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The reported identification of Matthew S. Stone as the suspect has added another painful dimension to a tragedy that has devastated relatives, friends and the wider Erie community. However, the suspect’s identity and the reported family relationships should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially verified by law enforcement.
Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.

Family-shared information and a fundraising appeal described Angelina as pregnant and expecting a baby boy named Kyrie in the coming weeks. The reported deaths of Angelina and her children have left relatives and friends grieving the loss of a young mother and the children whose lives were cut short.
Information shared by family members reportedly identified Matthew S. Stone as Angelina’s father and the person responsible for killing her and her children. However, the information available for this report does not establish that police have officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the family relationships or the allegations surrounding the deaths.
Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.

Roberts was known for her community service and was reportedly a former member of the board of directors of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit that provides food and shelter to people in need.
According to information shared about the incident, Roberts was reportedly attempting to help a family member escape when she was shot. Her reported death has left five children without their mother and loved ones mourning a woman remembered for her compassion and willingness to help others.
April Miles Pineiro shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Jonathan and Matthew Stone as close childhood friends who helped make her early years unforgettable.

Pineiro recalled meeting the brothers when they were children and quickly becoming part of a close group of neighborhood friends. They spent hours playing outdoors, including hide-and-seek games in which the boys sometimes wore a clown mask to scare their friends.
She remembered how the children continued spending time together through cold and snowy weather and how they walked to the school bus stop together when they learned they would attend the same school.
Pineiro also recalled Jonathan’s childhood crush on her and a memorable visit to a park when playful horseplay on a slide ended with both brothers falling. She described these memories with affection, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared.
In her tribute, Pineiro expressed heartbreak over the reported deaths and promised to cherish their memories.
“I’ll love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER Matthew and Jonathan,” she wrote.
Her words reflected the depth of the friendships and the profound grief being felt by those who knew the brothers.
According to reports, witnesses told investigators that a man fired a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street.
Erie police officers and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the property and attempted to persuade the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were reportedly heard while officers remained outside.
Police eventually entered the residence and discovered additional victims in different areas of the home, including children. The suspected shooter was found dead inside, reportedly with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public after the situation was contained.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as devastating and deeply disturbing for the officers and investigators involved.
“The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said.
Mayor Daria Devlin also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by the tragedy, calling it a terrible loss for the community.
The Erie County Coroner’s Office and police investigators remained at the scene late Friday to document evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Counseling was reportedly being made available to responding officers following the traumatic incident.
The reported deaths of Angelina Stone, her children, Lora Roberts and other victims have left families and friends facing an unimaginable loss.
Community members continue to share tributes, remembering the victims through stories of childhood friendships, family bonds and efforts to help others.
Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and confirm the identities and relationships of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information may clarify the reported identity of the suspected shooter and the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.
