Makayla Rene Settles was a bright, vibrant young woman whose life was tragically cut short. She is my daughter, and her death was not just a heartbreaking loss for our family, but also a symptom of a deeply flawed legal system. Makayla felt she had no way out after enduring the horrific trauma of being sexually assaulted by her biological father. In what can only be described as a gross miscarriage of justice, he received a mere one year of probation for his monstrosity.

This sentence is an affront to our sense of justice and an insult to all survivors of sexual abuse. The legal system was meant to protect the vulnerable and uphold the rights of individuals like Makayla. Unfortunately, it has failed her, and the meager punishment meted out to her abuser sends a chilling message that such acts can be committed without true consequence.

Sexual assault victims and their families deserve to see justice served. Probation is not justice; it is a trivial slap on the wrist for a crime that leaves victims with lifelong trauma. The short sentence not only diminishes the gravity of the offense but also endangers others by failing to hold perpetrators accountable.

We are calling upon the judiciary to revisit this case and to set a precedent that justice will not be compromised. Makayla’s story must be a turning point — to ensure that no other victim feels silenced, that no other family faces such heartache without seeing true justice served.

We ask for a re-examination of the sentencing laws pertaining to sexual assault and for the establishment of a fair and just precedent that reflects the severity of these crimes.

Your signature on this petition will be a voice for Makayla and all victims who deserve justice. Let's rally together to demand change, ensure our legal system works for victims, and prevent tragedies like this in the future. Please sign the petition and help us bring justice for Makayla.