She was just 10 years old, but Rebekah Baptiste’s final days paint a heartbreaking picture, one her family and teachers say could have been prevented.
Rebekah Baptiste died in a hospital bed on July 30, three days after she was found unresponsive in her home in Holbrook, Arizona. Police say she was black and blue from head to toe, with two black eyes which are signs of prolonged abuse.
Now, her father Richard Baptiste and his girlfriend Anicia Woods have been charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.
“She Was Black and Blue From Head to Toe”
According to Rebekah’s uncle, Damon Hawkins, the 10-year-old showed signs of abuse for years. He said he reported concerns to Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS) multiple times, but never saw meaningful action.
“We got word of sexual abuse about a year and a half ago, and they [DCS] turned a blind eye to it,” Hawkins told local media.
“She spent the last four days in the hospital by herself.”
Hawkins also described the last time he saw Rebekah and her siblings:
“You could see the fear in their eyes when it was time to go back home.”
The School Reported Her Case 12 Times
Rebekah and her two siblings had attended Empower College Prep, which confirmed staff had submitted 12 separate reports of suspected abuse or neglect to DCS over the past year.
“Despite our continued efforts and repeated calls for intervention, it does not appear that any meaningful action was taken,” the school said in a statement.
According to AZ Family, medical professionals determined Rebekah had been tortured.
Charges, Court Dates, and Ongoing Questions
Baptiste and Woods were arrested and are currently being held on $1 million bonds. Their next court appearance is scheduled for September 4. In addition to the murder charge, they face child abuse charges involving Baptiste’s two younger boys living in the home.
Woods told investigators she acted as the children’s mother and admitted to physically disciplining them.
DCS Responds: “We Knew the Family”
Arizona’s Department of Child Safety confirmed Rebekah was “known to the department” and issued a statement expressing sorrow.
“Anytime a child in our community is harmed, it deeply affects us all. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly… but tragically, those who intend to harm children can sometimes evade even the most robust systems.”
For Rebekah’s family, the statement comes too late.
“I made it clear to the investigator that the system failed her,” Hawkins said.
