An Oregon mother has been charged with three counts of attempted murder after allegedly locking her young children inside a car filled with carbon monoxide — telling them it was a “sleepover.”
Chardonnay Marie Benavidez, 32, of Keizer, Oregon, is accused of attempting to kill her twin 2-year-old boys and her 4-year-old son on June 6, 2025.
What Happened That Night
Benavidez allegedly told her three children they were having a “sleepover” in the family car — while the vehicle’s exhaust was running inside a closed garage.
According to prosecutors, she had been planning and researching this for nearly a week before carrying it out.
“She landed on this option as one where they would all just fall asleep together,” a Marion County prosecutor said during her arraignment Monday.
When the children began showing visible signs of distress, she moved them back inside the house. She then called 911 herself to report what she had done.
When officers arrived, they reported burning eyes and difficulty breathing just from trying to enter the garage — showing how dangerous the carbon monoxide levels were.
A loaded gun was also found inside the car.
Children Survive, Mother Arrested
All three children were rushed to a local hospital and treated for carbon monoxide poisoning. They were medically cleared and released to their father.
Benavidez was also hospitalized and placed on a psychiatric hold. She was cleared by doctors on June 7 and immediately arrested by Keizer Police.
Facing Serious Charges
A Marion County judge ordered Benavidez held without bail. She faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder — one for each child — all described as part of the “same scheme or plan.”
She is due back in court on June 17.
This is a developing story. Further details may emerge as the case proceeds through court.
