Apache County, Ariz. – A couple is facing murder and child abuse charges after prosecutors say they forced a 10-year-old girl to undergo brutal punishments including endless exercise drills and beatings, ultimately leading to her death in July.
Parents Charged in Daughter’s Death
Richard Baptiste and Anicia Woods, both of Apache County, were arrested on July 29, 2025, days after bringing an unresponsive Rebekah Baptiste to a small medical center in Holbrook. Doctors determined her injuries were consistent with non-accidental trauma, and she died the next day in a nearby hospital.
The couple is charged in connection with Rebekah’s death as well as child abuse involving her siblings, ages 8 and 6, according to court documents. Both remain in custody as prosecutors seek to try them together.
Disturbing Abuse Allegations
Prosecutors say Rebekah and her siblings endured severe punishments inside the family’s rural apartment. These included:
- Forced laps and planks as discipline.
- Spankings and beatings with belts.
- Periods of food and water deprivation.
In one shocking incident, Rebekah allegedly jumped from a second-story apartment window in Phoenix to escape the abuse. Her parents later claimed she was “running away” and searching for water or someone who could help her.
“In their statements, both defendants admit to using exercise as punishment, as well as spanking and hitting the children with a belt on multiple occasions,” prosecutors said in court filings.
Evidence From Schools and Teachers
Between November 2023 and May 2025, school staff repeatedly documented marks, bruises, and scratches on the children. Teachers reported that the siblings often described being subjected to punishment drills or going without meals.
At times, the children tried to protect their parents by changing their stories:
- One child initially said his mother scratched him for not cleaning, then later claimed it happened while playing outside.
- Another said, “My mom was mad at me and accidentally scratched me. Never mind, she didn’t do that, I just fell.”
Despite multiple complaints, the children frequently downplayed the injuries when questioned by authorities.
DCS Investigations Before Death
The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) confirmed that the family had a history of reports dating back to 2015. The most recent complaint came in May 2025, alleging that Rebekah and her siblings were being abused.
At the time of her death, the family was the subject of an open investigation, but DCS officials admitted they had been unable to locate them before the fatal incident.
Another earlier complaint from January 2025 alleged that Baptiste forced Rebekah to run without bathroom or water breaks. That report was closed as “unsubstantiated.”
Day of the Fatal Incident
On July 27, Baptiste and Woods brought Rebekah to a clinic in Holbrook after she became unconscious. The severity of her injuries required her transfer to a hospital, where she died the following day. Medical examiners ruled her death a result of prolonged abuse and trauma.
Ongoing Case
Prosecutors say the evidence—including witness testimony, prior abuse reports, and physical injuries—shows a pattern of torture and neglect. The case remains ongoing as authorities prepare to take Baptiste and Woods to trial.
Conclusion
The death of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste has exposed gaps in the child protection system and raised alarms over repeated unheeded abuse reports. With both parents facing trial, prosecutors vow to hold them accountable while protecting Rebekah’s surviving siblings.
What are your thoughts on this tragic case? Should child welfare systems have intervened sooner? Share your views in the comments below.
