What happened to Rebekah Baptiste in Arizona?

Rebekah Baptiste was found unresponsive near a remote campsite and later died from extensive signs of abuse. Her father and his girlfriend face murder charges.

Why was the earlier abuse report on Rebekah Baptiste closed?

The case was closed despite documented injuries after her father and his girlfriend claimed the injuries were self-inflicted.

What actions are being taken after Rebekah Baptiste's death?

The Department of Child Safety is reviewing its actions, and state officials have pledged to fully investigate the case.

Home / Crime and Justice / Child Begged for Help Before Tragic Death

Child Begged for Help Before Tragic Death

31 Dec

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Summary

A 10-year-old girl reported abuse nine months prior.
Police closed an earlier abuse case despite documented injuries.
Father and girlfriend now face murder charges in her death.

Child Begged for Help Before Tragic Death

A 10-year-old girl, Rebekah Baptiste, had pleaded for help nine months before her death, approaching a gas station clerk in October 2024. She reported physical discipline from her father's girlfriend, Anicia Woods, detailing injuries that officers documented and treated at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Despite the child's statements and visible injuries, investigators closed this earlier abuse report. The father, Richard Baptiste, and Woods claimed the injuries were self-inflicted. The family had since moved off-grid to a remote campsite near Concho, Arizona.

Rebekah was found unresponsive on July 27, 2025, with extensive signs of abuse, leading to murder charges against Baptiste and Woods. An ongoing review by the Department of Child Safety and pledges for investigation by state officials aim to address systemic failures.

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