Rebekah Baptiste, 10, was found unresponsive on July 27 and died three days later. Months earlier she had escaped her home by jumping from a second-floor window and pleaded for help at a gas station, alleging abuse. Investigators say they found evidence of severe torture, malnourishment and genital injuries after her death. Her father and stepmother have been charged with murder and multiple child-abuse counts, and records show school officials made 12 reports to child services prior to her death.
Arizona Girl Who Sought Help Months Earlier Found Dead; Father and Stepmother Charged
Apache County Sheriff's OfficeRebekah Baptiste
A 10-year-old Arizona girl who had reportedly tried to flee an allegedly abusive household months earlier was found unresponsive on a highway in late July and died days later, authorities say. New reports detail prior calls to child protective services and evidence of severe abuse discovered after her death.
Rebekah Baptiste was found unresponsive on July 27 and died on July 30, according to the Apache County Sheriff’s Office. Her father, Richard Baptiste, and her stepmother, Anicia Woods, were arrested and have been charged in connection with her death.
Apache County Sheriff's OfficeAnicia Woods (left); and Richard Baptiste.
Previous Escape Attempt Reported
Investigators say their review of records uncovered a documented pattern of suspected violence at the family home. In October 2024, when Rebekah was nine, she climbed out of a second-floor window, ran to a nearby gas station and begged a manager for help, telling him she was being abused by her stepmother, according to police records.
Responding officers were told by Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods that Rebekah’s injuries were self-inflicted, and authorities returned the child to the parents’ custody, the records indicate.
Apache County Sheriff's OfficeRebekah Baptiste.
Findings After Death
When investigators examined Rebekah after she was found on the highway, prosecutors say they observed signs consistent with severe physical abuse, including removal of toenails, widespread bruising and extreme malnutrition. Court testimony also described injuries to Rebekah’s genital area.
Kole Soderquist of the Apache County Sheriff’s Office told a court in September that Rebekah “had bruises from head to toe” and that there were injuries to her vaginal and anal area.
Prior Reports To Child Services
School officials reportedly made 12 calls to child protective services about Rebekah before her death, but media accounts and police records indicate those reports did not result in effective protective action.
Charges And Case Status
Online court records show Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods have each been charged with murder and face multiple counts of child molestation and child abuse. The records reviewed did not list pleas or attorney information for either defendant.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelp.org. For immediate counseling support after sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Both services are confidential and available 24/7.
