Holbrook, AZ – A 10-year-old girl has died after what officials are calling a prolonged period of torture and abuse, allegedly at the hands of her father and his longtime girlfriend. The child, Rebekah Baptiste, was found unresponsive on July 27 with severe injuries and died in the hospital three days later.
Doctors Describe Condition as “Torture”
Medical professionals who examined Rebekah reported that she was malnourished, dehydrated, and had suffered extensive injuries. One doctor used the word “torture” to describe her condition. Prosecutors confirmed they had received detailed medical documentation outlining the abuse Rebekah endured.
Uncle Speaks Out About System Failures
Rebekah’s uncle, Damon Hawkins, expressed outrage over what he called systemic failures by child protection agencies. He revealed that Rebekah died alone in the hospital, and that the Department of Child Safety (DCS) failed to notify family members.
“She spent the last four days in the hospital by herself, and the only thing DCS can say is, ‘I’m sorry you weren’t informed,’” Hawkins told reporters.
“She was black and blue from her head to toe. She had two black eyes, and they’re thinking the cause of death was because of a hemorrhage,” he added.
Horrific Details Revealed in Court
During a court appearance on Monday, prosecutors laid out disturbing findings. Rebekah reportedly had missing toenails, was covered in bruises, and had been starved. Her injuries were consistent with long-term abuse, and she ultimately died of what doctors believe was a hemorrhage.
The defendants, Richard Baptiste and his girlfriend, Anicia Woods, have both been charged with first-degree murder. They are being held in custody on $1 million bond each.
Brothers Also Victims of Abuse
Authorities amended the indictment to include child abuse charges for Rebekah’s two younger brothers, who are now in the custody of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Prosecutors allege the same pattern of abuse extended to the boys.
The defense confirmed in court that both boys had been removed from the home and are receiving care.
School Warned Officials 12 Times
Rebekah and her two brothers were former students at Empower College Prep in Phoenix. In a statement, the school confirmed it had reached out to DCS 12 separate times, expressing concerns about the children’s safety.
Despite those repeated reports, no decisive action appears to have been taken. The school ceased contact with the children after May, the end of the academic year.
“We did everything we could,” a school representative told. “We are heartbroken that our warnings were not acted upon.”
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