Deborah Benefiel Shoots and Kills Kentrell Settles in Indianapolis Road Rage Incident After Honk at Green Light [PHOTOS]

Indianapolis, IN — What began as a simple honk at a green light ended in tragedy after 23-year-old Deborah Benefiel allegedly shot and killed 21-year-old Kentrell Settles during a road rage incident on Friday, October 17, at the intersection of West 38th Street and Georgetown Road.

According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police, Settles was driving with his girlfriend when he honked at Benefiel’s Ford SUV after she failed to move when the light turned green. Settles then drove around her, apparently angering Benefiel, who followed the couple’s car and fired a single shot into it — striking Settles in the chest.

Deborah Benefiel

Settles’ girlfriend immediately drove him to her parents’ home for help, but he was pronounced dead at 2:43 p.m. An autopsy revealed that the bullet entered the right side of his torso and traveled toward the front.

Using license plate readers, police quickly tracked down Benefiel’s SUV, leading to her arrest within hours. Investigators said she was seen removing distinctive bumper stickers in an apparent attempt to conceal her identity. A search of her East Washington Street apartment uncovered a .40 caliber Glock handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.

“He’s loved by so many people, and so many are going to miss him. A precious life was taken for no reason,” said the victim’s father, Kenneth Murff, speaking to FOX59.

“It’s beyond senseless,” added Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears. “A moment of anger should not cost someone their life.”

IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson echoed the sentiment, calling the killing a “sad and disappointing reminder” of the consequences of losing one’s temper behind the wheel.

Benefiel, who reportedly had no prior criminal record, has been charged with murder and criminal recklessness and is being held without bond pending trial.

Kentrell Settles