Indiana Woman Arrested for Killing Black Driver for “Honking” at Her

Photo of accused killer Deborah Benefiel on the left and shooting victim Kentrell Settles on the right.

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A 23-year-old Indiana woman has been arrested for the fatal shooting of a young Black driver, who she claims “honked his horn” at her. Police are calling it an act of “senseless” road rage. Here are the tragic facts.

What Happened

Deborah Benefiel is in jail and facing murder and criminal recklessness charges for an October 17th shooting in Indianapolis, Indiana, authorities say. The victim of the shooting was 21-year-old Kentrell Settles.

According to an affidavit obtained by the local Indie Star, police responded to a call of shots fired on the west side of the city. Upon arrival, they found Kentrell with gunshots inside of a gold 2006 Chevy Malibu. From there, medics rushed him to a local hospital in critical condition. However, that is where he was pronounced dead.

Doctors found that the bullet that struck Kentrell traveled through his heart and lung before lodging in his chest.

Kentrell’s girlfriend informed police that she had been with him, since he had picked her up earlier in the afternoon to take her to the home of her parents. They stopped at a red light behind a woman later identified as Deborah Benefiel, who was driving a mint green Ford SUV. After the light turned green and the woman failed to start driving, Kentrell blew his horn and drove around the vehicle.

That’s when the SUV started following them. Court documents say the woman inside the green Ford SUV was “yelling, screaming and throwing her hands around while inside the vehicle.”

In an attempt to avoid Benefiel, Kentrell tried to turn onto another street. Before he could, Benefiel caught up with him and fired a single shot into his car, striking him in the chest. His girlfriend immediately jumped onto his lap and drove the remaining distance to her parents’ home, where she called 911.

The Arrest of Deborah Benefiel

Kentrell’s girlfriend told the police the shooter had drive away, but luckily cops were able to use license plate readers to track down Benefiel. Within just a few days, this technology helped detectives locate the green SUV and her. Investigators found out the vehicle belonged to Benefiel’s mother.

Benefiel admitted that the gun she used in the attack on Kentrell was in a bag in her apartment. There, police found a .40-caliber Glock handgun inside a purse, as court documents state.

The Reaction

Kenneth Murff, the father of Kentrail, is extremely heartbroken over the loss of his son. He said, “He didn’t do anything wrong, and for it to still happen, it troubles you as a father.”

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears called the shooting “absolutely senseless.” He went on to add, “A moment of anger should not cost someone their life.”

The Takeaway

23-year-old Deborah Benefiel is being held without bond and is facing murder charges after killing 21-year-old Kentrell Settles in a road rage incident in Indianapolis, Indiana. She fled the scene, but police were able to track her down using license plate readers. According to court documents, Benefiel admitted to possessing the murder weapon and told the police where to find it which they did. Benefiel’s next court hearing is set for November 4.

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