Ten-year-old Rebekah Baptiste passed away in a Phoenix hospital following months of alleged mistreatment by her father, 32-year-old Richard Baptiste, and his girlfriend, 29-year-old Anicia Woods. Merely three days prior to her death, she made a desperate attempt to flee.
On July 27, Rebekah was discovered unresponsive on a secluded highway in Holbrook, Arizona, exhibiting signs of prolonged abuse. She was immediately transported to Phoenix Children’s Hospital but succumbed three days later.
The family had recently relocated from Phoenix to an off-grid yurt in Concho, lacking electricity and running water. Records indicate that Rebekah had made several attempts to escape—once jumping from a window in Phoenix—and continued her efforts after the relocation.
Investigators reported injuries resembling torture, including a brain hemorrhage, burns, missing toenails, and extensive bruising. Woods, who claimed to have nursing experience, never sought medical assistance. Baptiste confessed to striking Rebekah with a belt but denied inflicting her head injuries. Blood-stained clothing was discovered in their tent.
Both adults are facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and numerous counts of child abuse, which also includes the abuse of Rebekah’s younger brothers, who are now in state custody.
Relatives assert that they consistently alerted Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS) regarding the children’s circumstances. Rebekah’s uncle, Damon Hawkins, alleges that the agency disregarded years of reports, including claims of sexual abuse.
Staff members at Empower College Prep, Rebekah’s school, report that they communicated concerns to DCS 12 times over a span of 14 months. The agency contends that records indicate only five calls, with just one meeting the criteria for investigation—a statement the school contests.
In the 911 call made on the day she was found, a composed woman described Rebekah as “barely breathing” after having run away for “the third time in a week.” Rebekah’s tragic story has ignited public outrage and renewed calls for systemic reform in child protection.