INDIANAPOLIS —An Indianapolis Uber driver who murdered his passenger has been sentenced to 45 years in prison after accepting a plea deal in the 2024 case that shocked the community and raised serious concerns about ride-share safety.
Francisco Valadez appeared in court Thursday, where his plea agreement was accepted by the judge. He will serve 45 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections for the murder of 30-year-old Chanti Dixon, during an attempted rape in 2024. He received credit for 450 days already served in jail.
According to court documents and police reports, Valadez picked up Dixon while working as an Uber driver in September 2024. Instead of taking her to her destination, Valadez drove Dixon to a dead-end street on Wagner Lane where he attempted to sexually assault her in the backseat of his vehicle.
Police say Valadez admitted he became angry during the assault and shot Dixon in the head. He then dragged her body from the car and dumped it in a nearby wooded area. Investigators say Valadez also admitted to attempting to abuse her corpse.
Under the terms of the deal, he pleaded guilty to one count of murder while prosecutors dismissed additional charges including a second murder count, attempted rape, and attempted abuse of corpse.
In addition to the prison sentence, Valadez must register as a sex offender for life. A lifetime no-contact order remains in effect with Rise Dixon, who is connected to the victim.
