APACHE COUNTY — A 10-year-old girl has died following what authorities describe as a violent incident now under investigation. Two Apache County residents have been arrested and face multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, and molestation.
According to a media bulletin issued July 31, Holbrook Police officers responded on July 27 to a call at the intersection of Highways 177 and 180, where they found the child unresponsive. She was transported to Little Colorado Medical Center in Winslow and later flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She later died from her injuries on July 30.
Authorities believe the girl may have sustained her injuries at another location before being brought to Holbrook. As the investigation unfolded, multiple search warrants were executed at sites across Apache County. Later that day, deputies arrested Apache County residents Richard Daniel Baptiste, 32, and Anicia Woods, 29.
Booking records show that both suspects face a list of serious felony charges. According to the Apache County booking records, both individuals face charges of first-degree murder, molestation of a child, child or vulnerable adult abuse, sexual assault, endangerment involving imminent death, sexual conduct with a minor, kidnapping involving death, injury, or sexual offense, dangerous crimes against children, and felony attempt.
Baptiste and Woods remain in the Apache County Jail without bond. Authorities have not released the victim’s name or disclosed the relationship between her and the suspects.
“The case is still under investigation,” the ACSO stated. “The Apache County Sheriff’s Office extends gratitude to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, the Holbrook Police Department, the Phoenix Police Department, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their efforts in this case.”
Initial court appearances for both suspects are expected in Apache County Superior Court in the coming days, where a judge will determine the next steps. Judge Garrett Whiting is overseeing the case.
The next court date is Aug. 4 at the Apache County Superior Court
This story will be updated as we get more details.
UPDATE: The precious 10-year-old victim is being identified as Rebekah Baptiste. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s website lists the young girl as Rebekah Baptiste, but ACSO’s release did not confirm her name. Rebekah’s family has identified her as the 10-year-old victim who was found on July 27 in the intersection of Highways 177 and 180, and later died on July 30. The family stated that her father is Richard Daniel Baptiste, 32, of Apache County, who is being held on no bond, and charges relating to Rebekah’s death. Anicia Woods, 29, is being identified by the family as the girlfriend of Baptiste.
We send our sincerest condolences to Rebeka’s family and all who love her. We know she is in Heaven with Heavenly Father. May Heavely Father wrap his arms around all who love her, and may they find the justice they seek.