Trial date set, questions remain in Holbrook child death case
A trial has been scheduled for June 2, 2026, for two people charged in the death of 10 year old Rebekah Baptiste, but investigators and attorneys say key forensic work remains outstanding. The unresolved autopsy and ongoing Department of Child Safety scrutiny mean local families and officials are awaiting answers about both the cause of death and systemic protections for vulnerable children.
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A trial has been set in Apache County for the death of 10 year old Rebekah Baptiste, who was found severely injured in July in Holbrook and died days later. Rebekah’s father, Richard Baptiste, and his girlfriend, Anicia Woods, face murder charges. The court scheduled the trial to begin June 2, 2026, and run through July 31, though the judge said the proceedings could finish sooner and that court would be held Tuesdays through Fridays during that period.
The hearing on Monday focused on pretrial disclosure and investigative steps that remain incomplete. Defense counsel for Woods highlighted the absence of an autopsy report, saying that it is delaying the defense’s ability to respond. "We still don't have that and that's holding up you know the stance of our defense and everything until we know what the cause of death was," said Wood's attorney R. John Lee. Prosecutor Lacee Collins noted investigators and attorneys are still reviewing materials and said more time has been required under the circumstances. "With the circumstances, I think it's taking some additional time to review," she said. "They received the police reports and whatever else they need to look at before they make their final report."
At the end of September Richard Baptiste was appointed a new attorney after a conflict with his prior counsel. Both Baptiste and Woods are due back in court on January 12 as the case moves through the pretrial phase.
The Baptiste family had moved from the Valley to a yurt in rural Apache County prior to Rebekah’s death, a detail that has drawn attention to the particular vulnerabilities of families living in remote areas where social services and emergency response can be more difficult to access.
Rebekah’s death has also intensified scrutiny of the Arizona Department of Child Safety. The case is one of three high profile murders of children known to DCS, prompting lawmakers and advocates to push for changes in how reports are handled. State Senator Carine Werner, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, described recent meetings with Rebekah’s teachers and the school social worker as constructive. "We had a meeting with Rebekah Baptiste's teachers and their social worker from their school," she said. "And it was a productive meeting with DCS, I think that they were able to get a lot of things on the table." Lawmakers say they are reviewing hotline procedures and the information case workers record, and further stakeholder meetings are expected.
For Apache County residents the case raises immediate concerns about child safety, transparency in investigations, and the pace of the justice system. As the community waits for forensic reports and court proceedings, local schools, service providers, and policymakers will continue to grapple with questions about prevention and accountability. ABC15 and local outlets will continue to follow developments as the case proceeds to trial.
