A rideshare driver has been detained on suspicion of murdering his female passenger, found shot dead near a wooded area after being reported missing, police revealed on Tuesday.
Chanti Dixon, 30, was reported missing on Monday, said Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey. She had used an Uber around 3:30 a.m. Sunday to travel home from work but had not been heard from since, as per the probable cause affidavit.
On Monday, police were alerted to a deceased person near woods in a residential area of Indianapolis, later identified as Dixon. She had a gunshot wound, according to Bailey.
IMPD: Uber driver admits to raping, killing Indy woman before dumping her body pic.twitter.com/5y14ROexPs
— IamLegend 🇺🇸 (@DarkSideAdvcate) September 11, 2024
Following the investigation, detectives arrested 29-year-old Francisco Valadez on a murder charge.
Valadez, a rideshare driver, reportedly picked Dixon up shortly before her murder, Bailey stated during a Tuesday press briefing.
“This is disgusting, it’s disturbing,” Bailey remarked. “No one deserves this treatment in our community.”
Valadez is currently in custody and is set to appear in court on Thursday, as per online jail records. It remains unclear if he has legal representation.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will decide on final charges. Bailey expects additional charges in the case.
Dixon was discovered at a dead-end street with a gunshot wound to her head, the probable cause affidavit states. Two cell phones belonging to her were also found nearby.
Detectives linked the Uber records to Valadez, according to the affidavit. Valadez allegedly claimed that after dropping her off, a man attempted to rob her and shot her in the leg. After further questioning, Valadez reportedly changed his story multiple times before admitting to shooting Dixon in his car while trying to have sex with her, the affidavit notes.
Uber has since banned Valadez, the company confirmed.
“Our hearts break for Ms. Dixon’s family and loved ones,” an Uber spokesperson stated. “The details of this violent act are horrifying, and we will assist Indianapolis police in their investigation.”
Assistant Chief of Police Catherine Cummings considers this an isolated incident.
“As a woman, this affects me deeply,” she said during Tuesday’s briefing. “Women, girls, mothers deserve to exist freely in our community without fear. They should be able to walk, bike, and use rideshares without worrying about their safety. This is a family’s worst nightmare, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.”
Cummings and Bailey reassured the public that rideshares remain a safe option.
“This woman was taken from the world by an evil act,” Bailey said. “I’m relieved we apprehended this individual quickly to prevent further violence in our community.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- WISH-TV reports that an Uber driver, Francisco Valadez, has been arrested and admitted to murdering a female passenger, Chanti Dixon, who was found dead in a wooded area.(read more)
- NewsNationNow reports on a Kentucky woman who fatally shot her Uber driver, Daniel Piedra, after wrongly believing she was being kidnapped and taken to Mexico.(read more)
- 9News reports on the acquittal of Michael Hancock, an Uber driver charged with first-degree murder after fatally shooting a passenger, with jurors finding him not guilty based on self-defense claims and the victim’s high blood alcohol content.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who was the victim in the Indianapolis rideshare murder case?
The victim was 30-year-old Chanti Dixon.
When was Chanti Dixon reported missing?
Chanti Dixon was reported missing on Monday.
Who has been arrested for the murder of Chanti Dixon?
29-year-old Francisco Valadez has been arrested for her murder.
What did Francisco Valadez initially tell the police?
Valadez initially claimed a man tried to rob Dixon and shot her.
What did Uber say about the incident?
Uber expressed heartbreak for Dixon’s family and said they would assist the police.