Disclosures and Criminal Charges
Recent disclosures reveal numerous reports submitted to Arizona's Department of Child Safety concerning the tragic demise of 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste. These reports have led to criminal charges against her father and his partner, accused of first-degree murder. Rebekah was a student at Empower College Prep in Phoenix, despite her family relocating to a remote area in Apache County shortly before her death.
Investigation at the School
On August 12, investigators from the Apache County Sheriff's Office spent over four hours at the school, interviewing teachers, social workers, and medical staff involved in her case. A Phoenix Children's Hospital doctor, along with a comprehensive 140-page report, described Rebekah as being covered with bruises at the time of her death, which was characterized as "torture".
Authorities and School Records
Authorities identify Richard Baptiste and his girlfriend, Anicia Woods, as responsible for her death. The school's records, described as extensive by Natalina Mariscal, the school's social services director, include multiple interactions with child welfare and law enforcement ...