PHOENIX — The Arizona couple accused of murdering 10-year-old Rebekah Baptiste will go on trial next year.
The Arizona Superior Court on Monday set the June 2, 2026, trial date for Richard Baptiste, Rebekah’s father, and his girlfriend Anicia Woods.
All parties in the case agreed to the June 2 date. However, their next scheduled court appearance is set for January.
Trial date has been set: background details about murder case
Baptiste and Woods are accused of murdering Rebekah, who was in their care when she was found severely beaten and unconscious on July 27 in Holbrook. She died three days later at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Prior to Rebekah’s death, staff at Empower College Prep had reported concerns of possible abuse to the Department of Child Safety (DCS).
Following her passing, official reports confirmed multiple signs of abuse — including scratches, bruises, a black eye, missing toenails and burns, according to Natalina Mariscal, director of student social services at the school.
Mariscal told KTAR News 92.3 FM that these injuries were consistent with those previously documented by school staff.
What impact has the murder of Rebekah Baptiste had on Arizona?
Rebekah’s case is one of three high-profile murders of girls known to DCS that have had ripple effects across Arizona.
Two other girls — 14-year-old Emily Pike and 16-year-old Zariah Dodd — were also murdered in 2025, prompting calls for greater accountability and systemic improvements from leaders including Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican state Sen. Carine Werner.
In September, Werner’s child safety task force held a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss reforms at DCS.
The group developed five action items for DCS to implement right away. These recommendations aim to prevent future abuse cases, increase transparency and make it easier for authorities to protect children quickly and effectively.
The task force also plans to draft broader reform proposals for lawmakers ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins in January.
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