In Indianapolis, Indiana a chilling incident occurred, involving the alleged rape and murder of a 30-year-old woman, Chanti Dixon, by her Uber driver, Francisco Valadez.
Dixon, a mother of two who had ordered a ride home from her job very early on Sunday morning, was discovered dead on Monday, September 9 in a forested area. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) detained Valadez on suspicion of murder following his purported confession to the crime.
A probable cause affidavit reveals that Valadez, aged 29, at first provided inconsistent accounts to the police. His initial version of events depicted a robbery attempt on Dixon by an unidentified “Black” man who subsequently shot her. However, under further police interrogation, Valadez confessed to attempting to sexually assault Dixon in his car’s back seat. During the altercation he claimed to have shot her in the head in a fit of rage, and discarded her body behind a concrete barrier on a dead-end street.
Describing the incident as “disturbing” and “disgusting,” IMPD officers expressed their shock. Assistant Police Chief of Indianapolis, Catherine Cummings, voiced her anger about the crime, asserting that women, girls, and mothers are entitled to freedom from fear of such horrendous acts. She extended her sympathies to the victim’s family, labeling the incident as a family’s worst nightmare.
Dixon’s relatives discovered her body after tracking her phone to a wooded area near her residence. Evidence found at the crime scene, comprising Dixon’s personal items, further implicated Valadez. The authorities also disclosed that community assistance led to his identification as a suspect and subsequent arrest. Valadez was arrested and charged with felony murder, attempted rape, and attempted abuse of a corpse on September 16, and the investigation remains active.
Authorities also interviewed Valadez’s mother, who mentioned that her son owned a gun that he often carried with him. She noted that he had recently cleaned out his car, but the items were still inside. Court records indicate that police later discovered bloody rags and a Walther PPX 9mm firearm in Valadez’s room.
Following the incident, Uber has barred Valadez from its platform. The ride-hailing company has issued a statement extending condolences to Dixon’s family and reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of its riders.
A GoFundMe campaign was started by the victim’s family to assist with funeral expenses and support her two children, aged 13 and 10. The fundraiser, initiated by Dixon’s sister, depicts Chanti as a “devoted mother” and a person whose laughter could brighten a room. The effort has already generated several thousand dollars as the community grieves the loss of a cherished member.
IMPD continues to encourage anyone with additional information about any suspicious encounters with Valadez to report it. A dedicated hotline for tips related to the case has been established, and community involvement remains a crucial aspect of the ongoing investigation.
