Oregon Woman Charged with Attempted Murder After Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Incident Involving Three Children

Chardonnay Marie Benavidez, 32, was arrested after an incident on Saturday evening in Keizer, Oregon, approximately 50 miles south of Portland, in which she allegedly lured her three children—twin two-year-old boys and a four-year-old—into a car under the pretense of a sleepover and snacks. Police discovered a makeshift apparatus directing exhaust fumes from the vehicle into the passenger compartment, along with a firearm inside the car. Benavidez called 911 and reported that she and her children were losing consciousness, prompting emergency responders to arrive and transport all four individuals to a local hospital for treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning. Court documents indicate that Benavidez had been planning the incident for approximately one week and had researched multiple methods before selecting this approach. She was denied bail and faces three counts of first-degree attempted murder, with her next court appearance scheduled for later in the month.