Ten-year-old Rebekah Baptiste died in a Phoenix hospital after months of alleged abuse by her father, 32-year-old Richard Baptiste, and his girlfriend, 29-year-old Anicia Woods. Only three days before her death, she made a final attempt to escape.
On July 27, Rebekah was found unresponsive on a remote highway in Holbrook, Arizona, showing signs of long-term abuse. She was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital but died three days later.
The family had recently moved from Phoenix to an off-grid yurt in Concho with no electricity or running water. Records show Rebekah had tried multiple times to run away—once leaping from a window in Phoenix—and continued attempting escapes after the move.
Investigators reported “torture-like” injuries, including a brain hemorrhage, burns, missing toenails, and severe bruising. Woods, claiming nursing experience, never sought medical help. Baptiste admitted hitting Rebekah with a belt but denied causing her head injuries. Bloody clothing was found in their tent.