Hot News 11/08/2025 13:44

Disturbing 911 call before police found girl, 10, on highway as dad and girlfriend arrested on murder charges

Image preview
Warning:
This article contains details about child abuse that some readers may find distressing.

Authorities in Arizona have charged a man and woman with first-degree murder and child abuse following the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste, who was found unresponsive on July 27 and died three days later.

Rebekah was discovered at the intersection of two highways in Holbrook, Arizona. Police reported that she appeared dehydrated and malnourished, and prosecutors allege she was missing her toenails when found.

Anicia Woods and Richard Baptiste are facing murder charges (Apache County Sheriff's Office)

Her father, Richard Baptiste, 32, and his girlfriend, Anicia Woods, 29, were arrested and charged in connection with her death, according to Apache County court records.

A 911 call made by an unidentified woman on the day Rebekah was found has since been released. In the call, the woman—who did not sound emotional—told dispatchers the child had “run away for the third time in a week” and was found unresponsive by a neighbor. She claimed to be performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while en route to meet an ambulance.

Prosecutors allege Rebekah had been “tortured” and showed signs of both physical and sexual abuse. Her uncle, Damon Hawkins, told local media she was “black and blue from head to toe” and had two black eyes at the time of discovery. He added that investigators believed a hemorrhage may have been the cause of death.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety confirmed it is working with law enforcement in a joint investigation, stating it is committed to ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

The couple is accused not only of causing Rebekah’s death but also of subjecting her to prolonged abuse. Court documents describe the case as a severe instance of neglect and violence.

Authorities have urged anyone with concerns about child welfare to contact the Childhelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453), available 24/7 across the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

News in the same category

News Post