Rebekah Baptiste child abuse and murder case
Rebekah Baptiste's mother, Sandi Hawkins, filed a $6 million wrongful death claim against the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) on January 24, 2026, alleging DCS ignored warnings that could have prevented her daughter's death in July 2025. As of January 1, 2026, Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods face charges including murder and child molestation in connection with the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste, with their trial scheduled for June 2, 2026. Evidence presented includes graphic medical reports detailing extensive injuries, such as cigarette burns and bruises, and testimony that Rebekah had attempted to escape her home multiple times. Police reports indicate Rebekah ran to a gas station for help months before her death on July 28, 2025.
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2026
3 updatesRebekah Baptiste's mother, Sandi Hawkins, has filed a $6 million wrongful death claim against the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS). Hawkins alleges that DCS ignored numerous warnings from police and Rebekah's school, which she believes could have prevented her daughter's death. Rebekah died in July 2025 after being found severely beaten, with Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods accused of her murder and abuse.
Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods face charges including murder and child molestation in connection with the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste. Evidence presented at a preliminary hearing included graphic medical reports detailing extensive injuries, such as cigarette burns and bruises, and testimony that Rebekah had attempted to escape her home multiple times. Prosecutors are seeking to consolidate the cases against both defendants, who are scheduled for trial on June 2, 2026.
A police report reveals that 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste had run to a gas station to seek help months before she was tortured to death. Her death occurred on July 28, 2025, after she was brought to a medical center unresponsive. Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods are charged with her murder and child abuse.
via lawandcrime.com
2025
10 updates
2025
10 updatesA trial date has been set for Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods, who are accused of killing 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste. Their trial is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025, in Apache County and is expected to last approximately two months. A status conference will be held in January to ensure the trial proceeds as planned.
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Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods have pleaded not guilty to murder and child abuse charges in the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste. An Apache County judge ruled there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, with graphic details of abuse presented, including cigarette burns and missing toenails. A 911 call from Rebekah's final moments has also been released.
via youtube.com
An Apache County Judge has determined there is sufficient probable cause to proceed with all five charges against Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods. The couple faces charges including murder, multiple counts of child abuse, and two new charges of molestation, following a three-hour preliminary hearing.
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Newly filed court documents reveal extensive abuse suffered by 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste before her death, with medical professionals describing her condition as torture and noting injuries with various stages of healing and severe dehydration. Both Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods admitted to using exercise, spanking, and hitting the children with a belt as punishment. Prosecutors are seeking to join their cases.
The Department of Child Safety (DCS) is investigating its own handling of the Rebekah Baptiste case, after the child's former school reported suspected abuse 12 times in the year prior to her death, though DCS stated only one report met the statutory threshold. Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods have pleaded not guilty to charges including murder and child abuse. A judge found sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial, with evidence presented including graphic medical reports detailing the child's injuries.
Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods are in custody, charged with first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste. Prosecutors allege Rebekah endured horrendous conditions, showing signs of malnourishment and torture, including cigarette burns and missing toenails. Her former school had reported concerns of abuse to child protective services multiple times.
Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods have pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste and child abuse. Investigators believe the couple tortured and abused Rebekah until she died in late July. The attorney for Richard Baptiste has requested to withdraw from the case, and a judge found probable cause for the case to move forward.
via youtube.com
Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods are accused of subjecting 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste to deadly abuse and punishments, including grueling exercises like "laps and planks" and deprivation of food and water. Prosecutors allege Rebekah suffered "horrendous conditions," including extensive bruising, missing toenails, and signs of physical and sexual abuse. The couple also faces abuse charges related to Rebekah's two younger siblings.
Rebekah Baptiste was discovered on the highway on July 27, 2025, and died days later, with her father Richard Baptiste and his girlfriend Anicia Woods subsequently arrested for abuse and murder charges. The suspects have pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, child abuse, and molestation. An Apache County judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods were arrested on July 30, 2025, on charges including murder, kidnapping, and child sexual abuse in connection with the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste. Holbrook Police found the unresponsive girl on July 27, 2025, and she died on July 30, 2025, from her injuries. Both face multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder.
2015
Story began · 10 years, 8 mo ago