Indian-origin woman held in California over killings of two Kerala friends
An Indian-origin woman has been arrested in California for allegedly killing two of her friends in separate incidents about 90 minutes apart, one in San Jose and the other in Milpitas, authorities said. Investigators later linked the two deaths and identified 32-year-old Anila Baby as the suspect.
Baby is accused of killing Ann Mary Mathew, 35, and Anjana Hari, 35, on August 28. The accused and both victims were friends and traced their roots to Kerala. Baby was arrested the same day and was initially charged in the Milpitas case. Prosecutors on September 8 also charged her with murder in Mathew's death.
The first killing took place at Mathew's home in San Jose. Witnesses reported that an unexpected guest arrived at her door. Prosecutors said Mathew was later found by her husband inside the house. Investigators said she had been strangled and stabbed, and media reports said she was left in a pool of blood. The San Jose Police Department said Mathew was found unconscious with stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Around 90 minutes later, Baby allegedly called Hari to the parking lot of their apartment complex in Milpitas. Baby and Hari lived in the same apartment complex and were described by friends and family as close friends. Witnesses told investigators that Hari appeared relaxed and friendly as she approached Baby's SUV. When she stepped in front of the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated and struck her, according to reports. After hitting Hari, Baby allegedly fled the apartment complex and hit three other vehicles.
Police later found a blue Toyota SUV parked outside a retail pharmacy store about 1.6 kilometres away. According to media reports, Baby, identified as the driver, appeared incoherent, could not answer officers' questions and had blood on her arms and legs. She was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.
"The motive and circumstances surrounding the event are still under investigation," the San Jose Police Department said in a statement on Thursday. Baby appeared in Santa Clara County court for the first time on Thursday and is scheduled to return on November 17, when she is expected to have an opportunity to enter a plea. She faces two counts of first-degree murder and a potential sentence of 50 years to life if convicted, according to ABC7 News.
Friends and relatives are struggling to understand how the close friendship ended in such violence. There has been speculation that Baby's employment-related issues in the US may have contributed to the incident, but police have not confirmed this. Meanwhile, the Kerala government has stepped up efforts to bring back the mortal remains of Hari and Mathew to India, with state officials assuring their families of help in expediting the legal procedures. The Indian Embassy and the Malayali Association in California are also assisting the families, who are awaiting the completion of the post-mortem and other legal procedures before the bodies can be released and brought back to Kerala for the final rites.
The case involves two women from Kerala who were killed in separate incidents in California on August 28, with Baby now accused in both deaths as investigators continue to examine the motive and circumstances.
