IMPD arrests rideshare driver for death of missing woman

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis police have arrested a rideshare driver for his connection to the murder of a missing woman found dead on the near southeast side Monday.

Francisco Valadez, 29, faces murder charges for the death of Chanti Dixon, 30, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department posted on Facebook Tuesday.

Dixon’s body was found near a wooded area in the 1800 block of Wagner Avenue around 1 p.m. Monday. That’s a couple of blocks northwest of the intersection of East Raymond Street and South Sherman Drive.

Police say Dixon had sustained a gunshot wound. She was last seen early Sunday morning and reported missing on Monday.

After speaking with witnesses and reviewing security camera footage, detectives named Valadez a person of interest. Police believe Valadez, a rideshare driver, gave Dixon a ride on Sunday shortly before the homicide.

Detectives spoke with Valadez and soon named him a suspect in Dixon’s death. He was then taken into custody and booked into the Marion County jail on Tuesday on a preliminary murder charge.

A court date hasn’t been set.

IMPD Chief Bailey said in a press conference Tuesday that this homicide is “disturbing” and “disgusting.”

“You have to intervene when you know you can prevent violence,” Bailey said. “I am so sorry to (Ms. Dixon’s) family.”

Sade’ Batey, a close friend of Dixon’s, told News 8 that Dixon left a big impression on everyone in her life.

“Chanti BreSha Dixon. I am hurt and devastated (by) this happening. It hit so close to home and it hurts so bad,” Batey said. “She was goofy, she was happy, always laughing, always caring. She was a mom before anything, hardworking, and dedicated to her goals. She had such a big impression on all around her. I hate this happened. I’m still in disbelief, but I love you, girl, and forever will!”

Chief Bailey asks that anyone who has encountered Valadez as a rideshare driver in the past few months or anyone with information on Dixon’s death was asked to call the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475.