APACHE COUNTY — Father and girlfriend appeared in Apache County Superior Court today, facing a list of felony charges that prosecutors say stem from months of abuse that ended in the death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste.
Richard Daniel Baptiste, 32, and Anicia Woods, 29, were arrested July 27 after Holbrook police found Rebekah unresponsive at the intersection of Highways 177 and 180. She was taken to Little Colorado Medical Center in Winslow and later flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she died on July 30.
Prosecutors said they had more than 100 pages of medical reports and provided details from a doctor regarding Rebekah. They revealed details during the initial appearance. “The child had bruising across her body, appeared malnourished, and was described by a medical expert as showing signs consistent with ‘torture’ and abuse.”
Prosecutors say Woods acted in a mother-like role in the household, and the couple was set to be married. Both now face charges including first-degree murder, child abuse, molestation of a child, sexual assault, kidnapping involving death or injury, dangerous crimes against children, and felony attempt.
The case has also brought renewed scrutiny to Arizona’s child protection system. ABC 15 reported that 12 separate reports were made to the Arizona Department of Child Safety by Empower College Prep over the past year, raising concerns about possible abuse or neglect. Despite those warnings, no effective intervention occurred.
In a public statement to ABC 15, DCS acknowledged it was familiar with Rebekah and expressed condolences, announcing that a Safety Analysis Review Team will investigate the handling of her case and assess what systemic changes may be needed.
In a public social media post, Rep. Walt Blackman wrote: “If you knowingly put Arizona’s children in harm’s way… I will hold bad actors accountable—administratively, and if necessary, criminally.”
He has also requested that House leadership initiate Government Committee hearings to examine what he described as “catastrophic child welfare failures” by DCS, a move aimed at exposing systemic breakdowns within the agency.
Initially held without bond, Baptiste and Woods are now each being held on $1 million bail. Their preliminary hearings are scheduled for September 4 in Apache County Superior Court, where a judge will determine if there is enough probable cause to proceed to trial.
The investigation is being led by the Apache County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, Holbrook Police Department, Phoenix Police Department, and Arizona Department of Public Safety.
