Mom told her 3 kids they were having ‘sleepover’ in car then tried to brutally murder them all with carbon monoxide: Police
An Oregon mother is facing multiple attempted murder charges after authorities say she devised a chilling plan to kill her three young children and herself by poisoning them with carbon monoxide. Prosecutors allege that the woman convinced her children they were having a special “sleepover” inside a vehicle before exposing them to deadly exhaust fumes in what investigators describe as a carefully researched murder-suicide attempt.
The case has shocked the community of Keizer, Oregon, and drawn national attention because of the ages of the children and the disturbing allegations surrounding the incident.
Mother Arrested Following Disturbing 911 Call
According to the Keizer Police Department, 32-year-old Chardonnay Marie Benavidez called 911 at approximately 8:20 p.m. on June 6, 2026. During the emergency call, she reportedly informed dispatchers that her children were drifting in and out of consciousness after she had attempted to kill them and herself using carbon monoxide.
Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel rushed to the family’s residence in Keizer, a city located just north of Salem. When first responders arrived, they found Benavidez inside the home with her three children.
Authorities said the children consisted of a 4-year-old son and twin 2-year-old boys.
All four individuals were transported to Salem Hospital for treatment after being exposed to carbon monoxide.
Alleged Murder Plan Involved Family Vehicle
Investigators say the attempted killings took place inside a vehicle parked in the home’s attached garage.
According to police, officers discovered a makeshift setup designed to direct vehicle exhaust into the passenger compartment. Authorities found a tube running from the vehicle’s exhaust pipe into the interior of the car.
The garage reportedly contained such a high concentration of exhaust fumes that officers initially could not safely enter the area. Firefighters equipped with self-contained breathing apparatuses were called in to ventilate the garage before investigators could process the scene and collect evidence.
Police described the garage as being heavily saturated with carbon monoxide and exhaust gases when they arrived.
Children Were Told They Were Having a “Sleepover”
One of the most disturbing details revealed during court proceedings involved the way prosecutors say Benavidez persuaded the children to get into the vehicle.
During her arraignment in Marion County Circuit Court, prosecutors alleged that Benavidez told her children they were going to have a “sleepover” inside the car.
Authorities claim she used the promise of a fun nighttime activity to encourage the children to enter the vehicle before exposing them to carbon monoxide.
Prosecutors further alleged that Benavidez selected this method because she believed everyone would simply fall asleep together.
Police Say Mother Researched the Method for a Week
Court proceedings revealed that investigators believe the alleged murder-suicide attempt was not impulsive.
According to prosecutors, Benavidez told law enforcement she had spent approximately a week researching ways to end her life and the lives of her children.
Investigators said she considered several different methods before allegedly settling on carbon monoxide poisoning.
During the arraignment, prosecutors stated that she believed carbon monoxide would cause everyone to peacefully lose consciousness and die together.
The allegation that she conducted research and planning before the incident became a major factor during court discussions regarding the seriousness of the charges.
Children Began Showing Signs of Poisoning
According to investigators, the family remained inside the vehicle while exhaust fumes were directed into the passenger area.
Police said Benavidez later moved the children back into the house after they began displaying symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities reported that the children were falling in and out of consciousness by the time emergency services were contacted.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness, and death when inhaled in significant quantities.
Emergency responders acted quickly to provide treatment and transport the children to the hospital.
Gun Found Inside Vehicle
Investigators also discovered a firearm inside the vehicle.
According to statements made during court proceedings, Benavidez allegedly told police that she planned to use the gun to kill herself if the carbon monoxide poisoning succeeded in killing the children but failed to kill her.
The discovery of the firearm added another troubling dimension to the investigation and was cited by prosecutors as evidence of advance planning.
Authorities have not indicated that the firearm was discharged during the incident.
Children Recover and Return to Father
Despite the alleged attempt on their lives, all three children survived.
Hospital staff treated the children for carbon monoxide poisoning, and authorities later confirmed that they were medically cleared.
The children were released from the hospital the following day and placed in the care of their father.
Officials have not publicly disclosed detailed information about the children’s current condition, but authorities indicated they recovered sufficiently to leave the hospital.
Father Reacts to Shocking Allegations
The children’s father, Antonio Benavidez, expressed disbelief after learning what allegedly occurred.
In media interviews, he described his former wife as a good mother and said he was stunned by the accusations.
Antonio also recounted his frustration at the hospital, saying he initially struggled to obtain information about his children’s condition and was temporarily detained after attempting to gain access to them.
He told reporters that while his ex-wife had previously made comments suggesting emotional struggles, he never expected she would allegedly involve the children in such a plan.
The father later confirmed that the children had been released into his custody.
Divorce and Custody Background
Court records indicate that Chardonnay Marie Benavidez and Antonio Benavidez divorced in 2024.
According to divorce documents referenced in media reports, Benavidez reportedly had sole custody of the children at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not publicly identified any custody dispute as a motive in the case.
Investigators continue to examine all circumstances surrounding the alleged murder-suicide attempt.
Psychiatric Evaluation Before Arrest
Following treatment at the hospital, Benavidez was placed on a physician’s hold and evaluated by psychiatric professionals.
After being medically and psychiatrically cleared, she was formally arrested by the Keizer Police Department.
Authorities subsequently transferred her to the Marion County Correctional Facility.
Investigators have not publicly released details from any psychiatric assessments conducted after the incident.
Charges Filed Against the Mother
Benavidez now faces multiple felony charges.
Prosecutors charged her with:
Three Counts of Attempted Murder in the First Degree
Each charge corresponds to one of the three children allegedly targeted during the incident.
Three Counts of Assault in the First Degree
Authorities allege that exposing the children to carbon monoxide caused serious physical injury and justified the additional assault charges.
Court documents state that all three children were allegedly targeted as part of the same criminal scheme.
Judge Orders No Bail
During her first court appearance, prosecutors outlined the details of the alleged plot and argued that Benavidez should remain in custody.
Given the severity of the accusations, a Marion County judge ordered that she be held without bail.
The court determined that the nature of the allegations and the potential danger involved warranted continued detention while the case proceeds.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Benavidez remains incarcerated as the criminal case moves forward through the Oregon court system.
She is scheduled for additional court hearings in Marion County, where prosecutors are expected to present further evidence regarding the alleged murder-suicide attempt.
Investigators continue reviewing evidence recovered from the residence, vehicle, and electronic devices as part of the ongoing case.
The case remains one of the most disturbing child endangerment and attempted murder investigations to emerge from Oregon in recent years, with authorities alleging that a mother spent days planning a carbon monoxide poisoning scheme before ultimately calling 911 when the children began losing consciousness.
