2 arrested, facing murder charges in death of child in Holbrook in Arizona

HOLBROOK, Ariz. — Two people are facing murder charges in connection with the death of a child in Apache County.

The Apache County Sheriff’s Office said on July 27, deputies responded to the intersection of State Route 77 and U.S. Route 180 in Holbrook after reports of an unresponsive child.

The 10-year-old girl, Rebekah Baptiste, was initially transported to the Little Colorado Medical Center for treatment, but was then flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She died on July 30.

Richard Daniel Baptiste, 32, and Anicia Woods, 29, were arrested following the girl’s death. Prosecutors say Rebekah was abused and tortured.

The suspects are being held on $1 million bonds in the Apache County Jail.

Baptiste and Woods are facing charges of first-degree murder and child abuse.

Making matters worse, Rebekah’s family and school community say they reported concerns of abuse and neglect to Arizona’s Department of Child Safety over the past year.

“It’s a horror story, and to actually live it, it just doesn’t make sense,” said Damon Hawkins, Rebekah’s uncle. 

Hawkins said despite her challenging circumstances, Rebekah was a joyful child.

“She had this infectious laughter and her kindness,” Hawkins said. “You would never catch her without that smile from ear to ear, you know? She was just a happy little girl.”

But Hawkins said about a year ago, she said she was being abused.

“The stuff we called for a year ago was actually sexual abuse allegations that were being said by Rebekah and other people,” Hawkins said.

He said he reported the allegations to DCS. And he was not alone.

According to Empower College Prep, where Rebekah went to school up until recently, staff there reported concerns of suspected abuse and neglect to DCS 12 times in the past year alone. They said they were told that DCS assigned an investigator to the case on at least four separate occasions.

They firmly believe Rebekah’s death could have been prevented and demand accountability from the state.

“They just swept it under the rug, and none of this would have happened if they intervened and did what they were supposed to do,” Hawkins said.

In a statement, a DCS spokesperson said they will be conducting a review of this case.

“It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the death of Rebeka Baptiste, a child who was known to the Department. Anytime a child in our community is harmed, it deeply affects us all, especially when we know the family. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all children, but tragically, those who intend to harm children can sometimes evade even the most robust systems designed to protect them.

In response to this incident, the Department is actively collaborating with law enforcement in a joint investigation to ensure that the people responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. We are committed to seeing the individual or individuals who murdered this child held accountable within the criminal justice system.

Additionally, the Department’s Safety Analysis Review Team will be conducting a thorough review of this case. The goal is to identify and understand any systemic barriers that may have influenced the outcome, and to implement data-driven systemic changes to prevent such tragedies in the future. Despite our expertise in child safety, we cannot predict the future and must operate within the boundaries of our legal authority.”

Hawkins told 12News Rebekah and her siblings were taken into DCS custody several years ago when Richard Baptiste lost custody. Ultimately, however, DCS gave them back.

“Start holding these adults accountable for their actions. Whether it’s the parents or it’s the system,” Hawkins said.

A GoFundMe for Rebekah’s funeral costs has been set up. You can find it by clicking here.

This is a developing story; additional details will be added as they become available.

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