WEST 38TH STREET AND GEORGETOWN ROAD — Kentrell Settles and his companion became involved in a fatal altercation stemming from aggressive driving that ended in less than sixty minutes.

 WEST 38TH STREET AND GEORGETOWN ROAD — Kentrell Settles and his partner became involved in a fatal road rage incident that transpired in less than an hour. They were stopped at a traffic light behind a green Ford SUV that didn’t move when the light changed to green. Annoyed, Settles honked, yet the SUV stayed still.

After waiting briefly, Settles decided to drive around the stationary vehicle. At that moment, 23-year-old Deborah Benefiel, the SUV's driver, started to pursue them. Witnesses stated that she shouted and made hostile gestures from her car, escalating a minor traffic issue into a serious confrontation.

Settles’ girlfriend recalled seeing Benefiel approach in the rearview mirror and realized immediately that the situation was intensifying. Just as they were poised to react, a gunshot rang out. The back window of their car exploded, causing Settles to lurch forward in shock, blood from a chest wound staining his shirt.

In a moment of panic, Settles' girlfriend took control of the vehicle. She drove onto a nearby street, desperately looking for help as the alarming situation unfolded. Emergency personnel arrived quickly, but regardless of their prompt efforts, Settles was pronounced dead at 2:43 p.m., less than an hour after the shot was fired.

Authorities promptly initiated an investigation into the shooting. Detectives analyzed surveillance videos and utilized license plate recognition technology to locate Benefiel. A witness later recognized her in a photo array, confirming her involvement in the incident. Law enforcement reported that the investigation was moving rapidly due to clear evidence and testimonies from witnesses.

When police searched Benefiel’s residence, they discovered a .40-caliber Glock handgun in her purse. This firearm is believed to be the one responsible for Settles’ death. Investigators also found that she had attempted to remove identifiers from her vehicle, such as bumper stickers, likely in an effort to avoid identification.

Benefiel has been charged with murder and is currently being held without bail. Authorities emphasized that this incident highlights the consequences of uncontrolled anger and impulsive choices. Investigators are working diligently to piece together the exact details leading to the shooting.

Residents and community leaders expressed disbelief over the incident. Many remembered Settles as an energetic young man whose life was tragically cut short due to a brief and avoidable dispute. The sudden outbreak of violence has left the community grappling with grief and shock.

The shooting also raises alarms about road rage incidents and the dangers that guns pose during public disputes. Law enforcement urges drivers to remain calm during traffic altercations and to avoid escalating situations that could quickly turn fatal.

As the investigation continues, authorities are seeking any additional witnesses who may have seen or heard anything related to the shooting. Meanwhile, the community is reflecting on the loss of Kentrell Settles, honoring him as a vibrant young individual whose life was unexpectedly ended by an irrational act of violence.