Police say three young children survived after their mother allegedly used vehicle exhaust in a planned murder-suicide.
KEIZER, Ore. — An Oregon woman is facing multiple attempted murder charges after authorities said she tried to kill her three young children and herself by filling a vehicle with carbon monoxide inside a residential garage over the weekend.
Investigators say the case unfolded Saturday night when 32-year-old Chardonnay Marie Benavidez allegedly carried out a plan that had been under consideration for days. Police said the children, two 2-year-old twins and a 4-year-old sibling, were exposed to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide before emergency responders arrived. All three children survived and were later released from medical care, while Benavidez was taken into custody and booked into jail.
According to investigators, the incident began shortly after 8 p.m. Saturday at a home in Keizer, a city just north of Salem. Authorities said Benavidez convinced the children they would be having a sleepover in a vehicle parked inside the garage. Police later alleged that she connected a tube from the vehicle’s exhaust system into the passenger compartment and allowed the engine to run while the children remained inside. Keizer Police Department Lt. Trevor Wenning said investigators believe she researched methods involving vehicle exhaust before carrying out the plan. After approximately 20 minutes, police said, Benavidez brought the children back inside the house and called 911. During the emergency call, authorities said she reported that the children were drifting in and out of consciousness and disclosed what had happened. Dispatchers immediately sent police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to the scene.
When first responders arrived, they encountered a garage heavily contaminated with exhaust fumes. Police said the concentration of carbon monoxide was so severe that firefighters used breathing equipment before entering the area. Officers located the three children inside the residence and transferred them to emergency medical crews for treatment. The children were transported to a local hospital, where doctors evaluated them for carbon monoxide poisoning. Authorities said all three recovered and were released the following day into the care of their father. Investigators also recovered a firearm from the vehicle involved in the incident. According to police, Benavidez later told investigators she intended to use the gun on herself if the carbon monoxide exposure did not accomplish her objective. Officials have not released additional details regarding her statements or the extent of the children’s medical treatment.
The allegations have shocked residents in the Salem-area community and raised questions about what events led to the alleged attempt. Court records and police statements indicate investigators believe the incident was planned rather than spontaneous. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a specific motive. They also have not detailed whether any prior reports, domestic disputes, custody disagreements or mental health interventions preceded the incident. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning engines and appliances, making exposure particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces. Law enforcement officials said the garage setup appeared designed to direct exhaust into the vehicle occupied by the children. While the children survived, prosecutors allege the circumstances support charges typically reserved for deliberate attempts to take another person’s life. Officials have emphasized that many details remain under investigation and could be addressed in future court proceedings.
Benavidez has been charged with three counts of first-degree attempted murder and three counts of first-degree assault, according to authorities. She was initially placed under medical and psychiatric observation before being transferred to the Marion County jail. Officials said she is being held without bail while the criminal case moves forward. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence regarding the alleged planning, the physical setup inside the garage and statements made during the 911 call. Investigators are also reviewing evidence recovered from the home and vehicle, including the tubing allegedly used to direct exhaust fumes. Court hearings scheduled in the coming days are expected to address the charges and determine the next procedural steps. Defense attorneys have not publicly commented on the allegations, and no plea information was immediately available.
The case has also left family members struggling to understand what happened. The children’s father told local media he was stunned by the allegations and described the situation as difficult to reconcile with the person he believed he knew. He said his focus remains on the well-being of the children as they recover from the ordeal. Neighbors reported seeing emergency vehicles at the home Saturday night but said they were unaware of the events unfolding inside. Investigators credited the 911 call and rapid response from emergency personnel with helping prevent a fatal outcome. Police officials said the children appeared physically stable after treatment, though they declined to discuss any long-term effects or ongoing support services. Community members have expressed relief that the children survived while awaiting additional information from court proceedings and the continuing investigation.
For now, the criminal case remains in its early stages. Authorities continue to review evidence and prepare for upcoming court appearances, while the children remain with family members. The next major development is expected during scheduled court proceedings in Marion County, where prosecutors will outline the case against Benavidez.
Author note: Last updated June 9, 2026.