Wrongful death lawsuit alleges Arizona ignored 19 abuse reports before killing of 10-year-old

The mother of a 10-year-old filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the state of Arizona, alleging the Department of Child Safety received at least 19 reports of abuse over 18 months and never removed the girl from her home.

The lawsuit, filed last week in Maricopa County Superior Court, says Rebekah Baptiste was tortured, sexually abused and killed by her father, Richard Baptiste, and his girlfriend, Anicia Woods. The couple was charged with murder last year, and a trial date was set for June 2026.

Rebekah, who was from Apache Junction, was found severely beaten and unconscious on July 27, 2025, in Holbrook.

She died three days later at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The lawsuit alleges warning signs were ignored

According to the complaint, teachers, school social workers, nurses, police officers and hospital personnel repeatedly warned DCS that the children were being beaten, starved, isolated and forced to perform punishing exercise without food or water.

DCS reportedly classified reports as “Information Only,” closed cases as unsubstantiated and failed to remove the children.

Matt Boatman, a lawyer representing the family, said the agency had every opportunity to save the child.

 

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“This little girl shouldn’t have to ask for help 19 times,” Boatman told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “Ultimately, our goal is to effectuate change in this community so that kids can grow up safely and that they stop dying.”

In one instance, Rebekah fled to a QuikTrip gas station for help. Police photographed injuries and Phoenix Children’s Hospital reported suspected abuse.

DCS directed that she be returned to the people she identified as her abusers, the complaint alleges.

Rebekah’s death was one of three high-profile killings of children known to DCS in 2025, prompting Gov. Katie Hobbs and state lawmakers to push for reforms at the agency. Boatman said he also represents Rebekah’s two surviving brothers.

KTAR News 92.3 FM reporters Balin Overstolz-McNair, Serena O’Sullivan and Colton Krolak contributed to this report.

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