An Arizona man and woman have been charged with murder after police found a 10-year-old girl unresponsive on a Holbrook highway.
According to the Apache County Sheriff’s Office, Holbrook police discovered Rebekah Baptiste between Highway 77 and 180, near Arizona, last month.
Despite life-saving measures, she passed away days later, on July 30, at Phoenix Children’s hospital.
Authorities have taken into custody Richard Baptiste, 32, and his partner, Anicia Woods, 29. Both are charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.
During a court session on Monday, prosecutors revealed unsettling details, describing that the victim was discovered with her toenails removed and other indications of extreme mistreatment, AZ Family reports.
There were also signs of sexual assault, dehydration, and malnutrition, according to approximately 100 pages of medical documents corroborating the abuse evidence.
“Her entire body was covered in bruises. She had two black eyes, and it is believed that a hemorrhage may have caused her death,” Rebekah’s uncle Damon Hawkins shared with the media outlet.
Prior to her death, Rebekah’s school, Empower College Prep, reportedly contacted the Department of Child Safety 12 times, according to ABC 15.
“My heart just breaks and aches for her,” Becky Jones, the school director, said.
According to Jones, Rebekah and her two brothers were enrolled at the school until May. The children often appeared at school malnourished, thirsty, and with visible bruises. It was noted that they were reluctant to return home.
Richard Baptiste communicated to the school that the children wouldn’t be coming back for the next academic year, stating that the family intended to relocate up north and live in a tent.
“We’ve had social workers concerned, students make statements that they were concerned about their classmate as well as teachers, administration, outside service providers that work with the students, all concerned that there was abuse and neglect happening at home toward all of the children,” Natalia Mariscal, the director of student services, added.
“There are so many points where an intervention could have happened.”
Both defendants are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on September 4. Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo via Apache County SO]
