An Indianapolis woman is facing a murder charge after a routine traffic encounter escalated into a deadly shooting on the city’s west side. Prosecutors allege that a single honk of a car horn Friday afternoon provoked a fatal response, claiming the life of a 21-year-old man.
The incident occurred near the intersection of 38th Street and Georgetown. According to court documents, the victim, Kentrell Settles, was stopped behind the suspect’s vehicle at a red light. When the light turned green and the suspect did not proceed, Settles honked his horn. Investigators believe this simple act enraged the driver in front of him.
Authorities state that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Deborah Benefiel, allegedly fired one shot into Settles’ car. The bullet shattered the rear window and struck the young man. Police were dispatched to the scene around 2 p.m. after receiving emergency calls, as per Fox 59.
Officers discovered Settles bleeding in the driver’s seat. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but died shortly after arrival. The victim’s father, Kenneth Murff, expressed his profound grief and the senselessness of the tragedy. “He’s loved by so many people and so many people are going to miss him, and a precious life was taken for no reason,” said the victim’s father, Kenneth Murff.
He added, “He didn’t do anything wrong, and for it to still happen, it troubles you as a father.” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears echoed this sentiment, condemning the violence. “It’s beyond senseless,” said Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “The victim in this case honks his horn and ends up losing his life.”
The affidavit supporting the charges claims Benefiel became angry at the horn honk, followed Settles, and then fired the fatal shot. “The allegation is she couldn’t keep her cool at a traffic light,” said Mears. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer Tommy Thompson emphasized the tragic consequences of such impulsive actions.
“This is just sad and disappointing where people think it’s okay to pick up a firearm and take an action like this and take someone’s life,” said IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson. The investigation moved swiftly, with police utilizing automated license plate reader technology to track down the suspect’s SUV. This led to Benefiel’s arrest on charges of murder and criminal recklessness just hours after the shooting.
Prosecutor Mears praised the technology, stating, “I’m a huge believer in the license plate readers. It’s been a huge game changer.” Authorities hope this case serves as a stark warning to drivers. Both Thompson and Mears urged patience and calm on the roads. “We have to be patient. We have to be calm,” said Thompson. Mears added a direct reminder, “It’s just a good reminder to everybody to keep your cool on the road.
If someone honks their horn, it’s not the end of the world, and it should never lead to gun violence.” The suspect was identified by the victim’s girlfriend, who was a passenger in the car during the shooting. Benefiel, who had no prior criminal history, refused to speak with investigators after her arrest. She is currently being held without bond pending trial.