10-Year-Old Girl Dies After Alleged Murder by Her Father and His Longtime Girlfriend

What began as an emergency call about an unresponsive child has ended in tragedy — and murder charges — after a 10-year-old girl died from injuries a doctor later described as "torture."

A 10-year-old girl has died after being found with severe injuries, according to the Apache County Sheriff's Office (ACSO). On July 27, Holbrook police responded to an emergency call near Highway 177 and Highway 180. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the young girl unresponsive.

She was first taken to Little Colorado Medical Center in Winslow, Arizona. Due to the severity of her condition, she was later flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital. The ACSO confirmed that the girl died on July 30, three days after the initial call.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office identified the child as Rebekah Baptiste. As the investigation unfolded, authorities executed multiple search warrants related to the case.

Authorities later arrested 32-year-old Richard Baptiste and 29-year-old Anicia Woods. Both face charges of first-degree murder and child abuse. Court records obtained by ABC15 show prosecutors initially requested that both Richard and Anicia be held without bail.

Multiple family members identified Richard as Rebekah's father. Additionally, Holbrook police confirmed that Richard stated the same when first speaking with officers at the scene.

On Monday, prosecutors revealed they had reviewed more than 100 pages of medical reports. A doctor involved in the case reportedly described Rebekah as malnourished. One medical expert used the word "torture" to characterize the girl's condition.

At this stage, the cases against Richard and Anicia are being handled separately. However, prosecutors have indicated they may seek to combine them.

Police said the 911 call came from Richard's phone and that the caller was someone who was with the child at the time. Attorneys for Anicia confirmed she and Richard were romantically involved and had plans to marry. Prosecutors claim Anicia acted in a mother-like role within the household and shared responsibility for Rebekah's condition.

According to Empower College Prep, a Phoenix-based charter school, Rebekah and two of her siblings were enrolled as students. In a statement, the school said its staff had filed 12 separate reports over the past year to the Department of Child Safety, citing concerns of suspected abuse and neglect involving Rebekah.

The newly released report also confirms the initial 911 call came from the area near the Holbrook intersection. According to police records, when they arrived, they found Rebekah not breathing. She also showed visible signs of trauma, including bruises, cuts, and signs of malnourishment.

Richard and Anicia told police that Rebekah had been running away and that on July 27, she was found by a neighbor before police were called.

They also informed officers of a previous investigation by the Department of Child Safety involving bruising on Rebekah. The couple described that case as "closed."

Rebekah's uncle, Damon Hawkins, has now launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. The goal is to raise $2,800. As of this writing, more than $1,000 has been donated.

The fundraiser describes Rebekah as a bright, kind-hearted child remembered for her laughter, generosity, and love for family. It states that her death was due to a "senseless act of violence."

Funds will be used to support funeral services, burial or cremation, and related costs. The family is asking for community support as they cope with the emotional and financial toll of her loss. In the days after Rebekah’s death, her uncle, Damon, shared emotional tributes online to honor her memory.

In one post, he described her as "a star in the sky, a memory in our hearts." In others, he expressed deep sorrow over her loss and a commitment to seeking justice. He referred to Rebekah affectionately as "my peanut" and said he would never stop fighting for her.