Newly released police records show that 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste reached out for help months before she was allegedly killed by her father and his girlfriend, revealing potential gaps in Arizona’s child welfare oversight.
Authorities say Rebekah reported abuse and displayed visible injuries during an October 2024 encounter with Phoenix police, yet the case was closed despite clear evidence of harm and her repeated attempts to escape.
Records indicate that Rebekah sought help at a Phoenix gas station roughly nine months before her death. She told the clerk that she was being abused and wanted to leave her home.
Officers responding to the scene documented bruising on her hands and feet, a bloody lip and marks on her fingers.
Rebekah explained that her father’s girlfriend, Anicia Woods, struck her with a brush and a belt and forced her to do exercises such as running laps, wall sits and planks as punishment, according to FOX 10 Phoenix, per Fox News.
She said her father also participated in the physical discipline.
Despite visible injuries and her statements, investigators closed the case after Baptiste and Woods claimed the injuries were self-inflicted.
Police noted the absence of witnesses and conflicting accounts, but Rebekah’s repeated escape attempts—including jumping from a window while in Phoenix—were documented, according to AZFamily.
Authorities say these warning signs were overlooked.
In July 2025, the family relocated to a remote campsite near Concho, Arizona.
Police described harsh living conditions in a yurt without electricity or running water, with thin mattresses on the floor and water hauled from a convenience store about 15 miles away.
Investigators noted that Rebekah tried multiple times to flee her father and Woods even at this location, including the day she was later hospitalized.
Medical evaluations after Rebekah’s death revealed severe physical trauma, including a brain hemorrhage, burn marks, missing toenails and hair and numerous cuts and bruises.
Emergency responders reported delays and confusion during 911 calls.
Authorities allege Woods, who claimed nursing experience, failed to provide timely care. Baptiste admitted striking Rebekah with a belt but denied causing her head injuries.
Baptiste and Woods now face first-degree murder and multiple child abuse charges, including allegations involving Rebekah’s younger siblings.
Investigators said the father’s response to evidence of abuse was emotionally detached, emphasizing the severity of neglect.
Concerns about Rebekah’s welfare had been raised repeatedly.
School officials at Empower College Prep reportedly contacted the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) at least 12 times over two years regarding Rebekah’s absences and potential neglect.
Following her death, the school planted a tree, created a rock garden and posted a tribute honoring her intelligence, compassion and leadership.
In response to the tragedy, DCS launched a review of its handling of the case, while Gov. Katie Hobbs pledged a full investigation.
State Sen. Carine Werner (R) called Rebekah’s death a “wake-up call” for Arizona’s child protection system, citing the deaths of three children with prior DCS contact.
Lawmakers have formed a bipartisan Child Abuse Task Force to recommend reforms during the 2026 session.
Advocates note the difficulties of protecting children in private residences or remote settings, emphasizing the need for prompt intervention when abuse reports arise.
Critics argue that systemic lapses in oversight contributed to Rebekah’s death, illustrating an urgent need for stronger accountability measures and reform.
The case has sparked widespread public scrutiny and calls for tangible changes in Arizona’s child protection framework.
