APACHE COUNTY — The brutal death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste has shocked Apache County and renewed statewide scrutiny over child protection failures, after court records and transcripts revealed allegations of abuse, systemic negligence, and the urgent medical crisis that was captured on the 911 call.
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Rebehah’s father, Richard Baptiste, and his girlfriend, Anicia Woods, are both facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated assault on a minor, and multiple counts of child abuse. Prosecutors say Rebekah was the victim of repeated, severe physical violence in a household marked by escalating brutality.
The first 911 call came in on July 27, 2025, at 11:41 a.m. According to the dispatch transcript between Woods and the dispatcher:
“She’s been running away, but when she ran away today, the neighbor found her. She’s just been completely unresponsive, I’m sitting here giving her breath,” Woods told the dispatcher.
“We’re going towards Holbrook. We’re told there’s an EMS station in Holbrook,” Woods later said. The call dropped.
Seventeen minutes later, Woods called back. The dispatcher asked if Rebekah was breathing.
“I’m breathing for her,” Woods responded.
“What do you mean?” the dispatcher asked. “I am putting my mouth around hers and breathing in her mouth, yes,” Woods stated.
The dispatcher urged them to pull over so EMS could get to them. That call ended, and Woods called back a third time. The dispatcher asked her to start CPR.
“Have you got her to a flat ground? Solid ground?” the dispatcher asked.
“Yeah, well, she’s in the car,” Woods said.
“I need you to put her on the ground,” the dispatcher explained.
“On the rocks?” Woods said.
“I need her on a flat ground so you can administer CPR,” the dispatcher elaborated.
Thirty seconds went by, and the dispatcher asked if she knew CPR. “Yes, I do. Unfortunately, I hear the EMS coming,” Woods said.
Another 20 seconds went by. “Are you wanting to start CPR or wait for EMS?” the dispatcher asked.
“I’m waiting for them because I’m giving her breaths,” Woods said.
Woods’ calm tone in the calls raises questions about the urgency of the response. The 911 calls could also explain details about Rebekah being found unresponsive in Holbrook, Arizona, at the intersection of Highway 77 and 180 on July 27.
July 27, 911 call between Woods and dispatch. Woods speaking to dispatch about giving 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste CPR while driving to Holbrook
On July 28, Rebekah was transported from Winslow to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where she was declared brain dead in what authorities describe as a brutal case of child abuse.
An emergency hearing was held on July 29 in Apache County Superior Court, which was convened to address who would make critical medical decisions for Rebekah.
The July 29 emergency hearing transcript revealed even more disturbing details. Prosecutors told the court that Rebekah had “some of her toenails missing and her hair was pulled out.” She was declared brain dead, and decisions needed to be made regarding organ donation.
Judge Garrett Whiting presided over the emergency hearing, emphasizing the court’s duty to act in the best interest of the child, citing Stewart v. Superior Court, 163 Ariz. 227, as legal precedent for a criminal court’s authority in such matters. He noted the unusual and tragic circumstances, stating, “Without this order, it would create the odd situation where the person who is at least accused of horrific violence against a child would be the one being contacted by the hospital.”
A licensed attorney and victims’ rights advocate with over a decade of experience was appointed as guardian ad litem. She has previously served as a victim representative in state and federal courts, particularly in cases involving child victims. Her role in this case was defined: to make decisions regarding organ donation for Rebekah and to act as the victim representative for her and her two younger brothers, known in court as KB1 and KB2.
The state prosecutor in the July 29 hearing, Deputy County Attorney Ms. Robertson, argued that the guardian ad litem appointment was necessary due to the no-contact order between Baptiste and his daughter. The prosecutor informed the court that Baptiste remained in custody in Apache County Jail and was legally barred from communicating with Rebekah or her two younger brothers or making decisions on their behalf.
Robertson outlined the state’s allegations, stating that Rebekah had been beaten severely and repeatedly. She had bruising over most of her body, including the pelvic region, and a subdural hematoma that led to her being declared brain dead. Burns, potentially from cigarettes, were also observed on Rebekah and her brothers, according to Robertson. Additionally, Robertson told the court that some of Rebekah’s toenails were missing and chunks of her hair had been pulled out.
“Rebekah had some of her toenails torn off and chunks of her hair pulled out,” said Robertson.
Prosecutors described the abuse as egregious and emphasized that once Rebekah is officially declared deceased, the charges against Baptiste and Woods will be amended from attempted murder to first-degree murder.
Robertson stated evidence collected included a belt matching Baptiste’s description, cigarette butts, and blood-stained items found in the home.
The hearing also revealed frustration over the Department of Child Safety’s failure to take custody of Rebekah during her hospitalization, despite their immediate action to place KB1 and KB2 into protective custody. Robertson noted that DCS had an open file on the family and initiated interviews with Baptiste at the jail, but had yet to file a dependency petition concerning Rebekah.
Baptiste’s attorney, Mr. Brewer, expressed concern that the court was moving forward without his client present or his consent. He also questioned whether DCS should have assumed control over Rebekah’s care, noting the inconsistency in their actions. Brewer added that he had been told Rebekah had run away and had contact with others outside the home.
Ultimately, Judge Whitting granted the state’s motion, appointing a guardian ad litem to make medical decisions on behalf of Rebekah and to serve as the victim representative for all three children. The court acknowledged the urgent nature of the situation and the lack of alternative legal guardianship, concluding that swift judicial intervention was necessary to prevent further harm.
The emergency order allowed hospital staff to move forward with end-of-life measures and potential organ donation discussions with a qualified legal representative. Claselem’s appointment remains in place unless superseded by a future DCS dependency action or further court order.
July 29 Guardian ad litem hearing for Rebekah Baptiste and minor children. An emergency hearing was held on July 29, 2025, in Apache County Superior Court, which was convened to address who would make critical medical decisions for Rebekah, who had been declared brain dead following what authorities describe as a brutal case of child abuse.
Empower College Prep stated they contacted the Department of Child Safety at least 12 times over the past year about suspected abuse of Rebekah and her brothers. Teachers and administrators documented visible bruising, behavioral red flags, and fears that the children were being neglected or harmed.
“This is more than one child who slipped through the cracks,” said an Empower staff member, “We begged DCS to intervene.”
DCS released a new statement, pushing back to say that “they only received five calls and they didn’t meet their neglect criteria.”
DCS officials say there is ‘basic criteria” that must be met to launch an investigation.
When a report is investigated, there are even more hurdles to overcome. DCS has to use the “Safety Assessment Model” for the state to take custody. The kids must be in “impending danger,” and case workers have to interview the child and adults in the house.
At the August 4 hearing, Judge Michael Latham set bail at $1 million for Baptiste and Woods.
According to prosecutors, Baptiste admitted to police that he had beaten Rebekah with a belt, describing the force as “excessive.” During a search of the residence, officers found a belt matching his description, along with cigarette butts, blood-stained items, including towels and clothing, and cell phones that are undergoing forensic review. Medical staff reported burn marks consistent with cigarette burns not only on Rebekah but also on her brothers.
Prosecutors also indicated that sexual abuse is under investigation. The full autopsy results and forensic testing are pending.
The prosecutor also noted that a doctor from Phoenix Children’s Hospital characterized the findings as “highly concerning for child physical abuse, child sexual abuse, and torture.” The prosecutor also remarked, “That is a shockingly strong word for a medical doctor to include in a report—especially someone who sees cases like this all the time.”
The surviving brothers, KB1 and KB2, are now in foster care, under medical supervision. Authorities have not released details about their current conditions, but confirmed they are considered victims in the case.
The prosecution stated that Woods is not biologically the mother of the three children. However, for the last four years, she has been acting as the mother; the biological mother has not been involved. So, she has been the mother that these children have known.
Prosecutors stated, “This is not a case where the evidence indicates that one parent is more involved.” In her police interview, Anicia Woods admitted to beating the children with various implements. The state alleges that both defendants were responsible for repeated abuse.
Full August 4 bond hearing for Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods
This case has sparked intense public scrutiny of Arizona’s Department of Child Care system, including the actions—or inaction—of DCS. Legal analysts suggest that both the failure to act on multiple abuse reports and the initial failure to take custody of Rebekah are systemic issues.
Apache County court records indicate that the Department of Child Safety has now launched a formal investigation into its handling of Rebekah’s case, including an internal review of the numerous prior reports made by school officials. They’re also planning to interview Baptiste in the Apache County Jail about the abuse and murder of Rebekah. The agency is also expected to appear at the next court hearing.
Arizona Governor Hobbs and several lawmakers have escalated a probe into the child safety system failures after the death of Rebekah Baptiste and other Arizona children who have been murdered while being under the watch of DCS.
As of the latest court proceedings detailed in the August 4 bond hearing and supporting court records, both Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods face the following charges:
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First-degree murder (upgraded from attempted murder following Rebekah Baptiste’s death)
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Aggravated assault
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Multiple counts of child abuse
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Kidnapping
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Allegation of Domestic Violence
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Dangerous Crimes Against Children (DCAC) charges are anticipated as the case proceeds
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Sexual abuse charges are under investigation, according to the court hearing, though no formal charges have been filed yet, pending autopsy and forensic results. However, the sexual abuse charges and molestation are present in the Apache County Sheriff’s Office Jail Inmate data as charges against both defendants.
Current complaint against Baptiste and Woods in Apache County Superior Court
The state alleges both defendants participated in the repeated, severe abuse of Rebekah and her two younger brothers, KB1 and KB2.
Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve and demand accountability.
As more forensic evidence is analyzed and witness testimony emerges, prosecutors say the full scope of abuse will likely become even clearer. For now, Apache County is left wondering how this tragedy might have been prevented had the warning signs been addressed.
The next court date for both Baptiste and Woods is September 4 from 10 am to 12 pm.
