Newly released police records reveal that a 10-year-old Arizona girl pleaded for help months before she was allegedly killed by her father and his girlfriend.
The records show that authorities investigated an abuse report in late 2024 but closed the case despite documented injuries.
The child, Rebekah Baptiste, was later found unresponsive in July 2025 and died days later in a Phoenix hospital.
Child Sought Help at Gas Station
According to a Phoenix police report obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, Rebekah approached a gas station clerk in October 2024 and begged for help.
A 911 call was placed, and officers responded to the scene.
Police wrote that Rebekah said her father’s girlfriend, Anicia Woods, had hit her with a brush and a belt as punishment.
She also reported being forced to run laps and endure physical discipline.
Visible Injuries Documented
Officers documented visible injuries and took Rebekah to Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Medical staff treated her for a bloody lip and bruising on her hands and feet, according to the report.
Despite her statements and injuries, investigators closed the case.
Police records state that her father, Richard Baptiste, and Woods told officers the injuries were self inflicted.
Found Unresponsive Months Later
Rebekah was found unresponsive on July 27, 2025, near a remote campsite outside Concho, Arizona.
Investigators said the family had recently moved from Phoenix and were living off grid in a yurt without electricity or running water.
Authorities said the family slept on thin mattresses and hauled water from a convenience store about 15 miles away.
Investigators Describe Escalating Abuse
A 36 page probable cause affidavit from the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office describes what detectives called escalating abuse.
Records show Rebekah made repeated attempts to flee, including jumping out of a window while living in Phoenix.
Investigators said she also tried to escape after the move to Concho.
Despite her declining physical condition, Woods told investigators she believed the child would be fine and did not seek immediate care.
Severe Injuries Discovered
Medical professionals later documented extensive injuries.
Investigators reported a brain hemorrhage, burn marks, missing toenails and hair, and numerous cuts and bruises.
Detectives said it would have been impossible for a parent not to notice the extent of the injuries.
911 Call Raises More Questions
Previously reviewed 911 calls from July 27 show Woods referring to Rebekah as her daughter.
Dispatchers noted Woods claimed she was giving rescue breaths but had not begun chest compressions.
Emergency crews later arrived, but Rebekah did not survive and was pronounced dead days later.
Criminal Charges Filed
Baptiste later admitted to striking Rebekah with a belt as punishment for running away, according to investigators.
Detectives also reported finding bloody clothing that had been changed before emergency services were contacted.
Both Baptiste and Woods now face first degree murder and multiple child abuse charges.
Prosecutors allege ongoing physical and sexual abuse and say Rebekah’s two younger siblings were also victims.
Warnings Raised Before Her Death
School officials at Empower College Prep reportedly contacted Arizona’s Department of Child Safety at least 12 times over two years.
Reports included concerns about unexplained absences and safety issues.
DCS has launched an internal review to determine whether the agency failed to protect the child.
Public Scrutiny and Calls for Reform
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has pledged a full investigation into the case.
State Sen. Carine Werner called the deaths of multiple children with prior DCS contact a wake up call.
Lawmakers are now weighing reforms as public scrutiny intensifies.
A Life Remembered
Rebekah’s school remembered her as intelligent, compassionate, and a natural leader.
Staff and students planted a tree with pink flowers in her honor.
For many in Arizona, her story has become a painful symbol of missed warnings and systemic failure.