Police said three young children were treated and released after the June 6 incident.
KEIZER, Ore. — A 32-year-old Keizer woman is accused of trying to kill her three young children and herself with carbon monoxide from a vehicle inside a garage, police said.
Chardonnay Marie Benavidez faces three counts of first-degree attempted murder after officers responded June 6 to a home on Holly Court Northeast. Police said Benavidez called 911 around 8:20 p.m. and reported that her children were falling in and out of consciousness.
Officers found Benavidez in the living room with her twin 2-year-old boys and 4-year-old boy. Investigators said a vehicle was in the attached garage with a makeshift device connected from the exhaust pipe into the vehicle. Fire crews had to ventilate the garage before police could safely enter because carbon monoxide levels remained high.
Prosecutors said in court that the case showed “significant planning.” Court records said Benavidez had researched carbon monoxide poisoning for about a week and told the children they were having a sleepover in the car before bringing them inside the vehicle. Police said she later moved the children into the home after they showed signs of distress.
Benavidez and the children were taken to Salem Hospital for treatment. The children were medically cleared June 7 and released to their father with help from the Oregon Department of Human Services. Police said officers who approached the garage reported burning eyes and trouble breathing, but no officers needed medical care.
Investigators said they also found a gun inside the vehicle. Court records said Benavidez told police she planned to shoot herself if the carbon monoxide killed the children but did not kill her. Police said they were not aware of earlier cases showing Benavidez posed a danger to the children.
Benavidez was placed on a physician’s hold at the hospital and later cleared by psychiatric staff. She was arrested June 7 and booked into the Marion County Jail. A judge ordered her held without bail because of the nature of the charges.
The children remained with their father after being released from the hospital. Benavidez’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 17.
Author note: Last updated Thursday, June 11, 2026.