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.

Both adults face charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and multiple counts of child abuse, including abuse of Rebekah’s younger brothers, now in state custody.

Relatives say they repeatedly warned Arizona’s Department of Child Safety (DCS) about the children’s situation. Rebekah’s uncle, Damon Hawkins, claims the agency ignored years of reports, including allegations of sexual abuse.

Staff at Empower College Prep, Rebekah’s school, say they reported concerns to DCS 12 times in 14 months. The agency claims records show only five calls, with one meeting the threshold for investigation—a claim the school disputes.

In the 911 call from the day she was found, a calm-sounding woman described her as “barely breathing” after running away for “the third time in a week.” Rebekah’s story has sparked public outrage and renewed demands for systemic child protection reform.