Police announced on Tuesday that a rideshare driver was arrested for allegedly killing his female passenger. She was found dead after being reported missing near a wooded region.
According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey, the victim, Chanti Dixon (30), was reported missing on Monday. According to the probable-cause affidavit, she ordered an Uber at 3:30 am Sunday to bring her home after work. She has not been heard from again since.
Police said that on Monday they received a call about a person who had been found dead in the woods of a residential neighborhood of Indianapolis. The victim was identified as Dixon. Bailey stated that she had an injury consistent with a gunshot.
Police said that the investigation led detectives directly to Francisco Valadez (29), who was arrested for murder.
Bailey, speaking at a Tuesday press conference, said that police believe Valadez was a rideshare driver who picked Dixon up just “just before her murder”.
Bailey stated, “This is disgusting and disturbing.” “Nobody deserves to be treated in this way within our community.”
According to online jail records, Valadez will appear in court Thursday. At this time, it is not known if Valadez has an attorney.
Marion County Prosecutor’s Office makes the final decisions on charges. Bailey predicted that there would be more charges filed in this case.
According to the probable reason affidavit, Dixon was discovered at a dead-end with a possible shot to the left of her head. According to the affidavit, two of her cell phones were also discovered nearby.
According to the affidavit, detectives tracked the Uber information back to Valadez. According to the affidavit, Valadez told police that a man shot her leg after he dropped off the woman. Valadez, when brought in for an interview at the homicide department, told two different stories, before admitting he shot Dixon while trying to have sexual relations with her.
Uber has banned Valadez from its service, it said.
Uber’s spokesperson stated in a press release that “our hearts are broken for the family and friends of Ms. Dixon.” “This act of violence is atrocious, and we will help the Indianapolis police in any way we can.”
According to Assistant Chief of Police Catherine Cummings, this incident is thought to be isolated.
She said, “As I am a woman this affects me differently,” during the press conference on Tuesday. “Women and mothers, as well as girls, have the right to live freely in our communities without fearing anything heinous. They can walk, bike, order, or rideshare without worrying about what will happen. We extend our sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time.
Cummings & Bailey made it clear to the community that ridesharing is still a safe alternative.
Bailey said, “This woman has been removed from the world by an evil act.” “I am glad we found this person so quickly. He didn’t get a chance to spread violence in our community.”
