Teen brutally murdered in South Carolina; two minors are the suspects

In South Carolina, Two teenagers, ages 15 and 16, have been charged with murder following the violent death of Ka’Niyah Baker, a 13-year-old girl who was beaten, stabbed and burned in a vacant house in Columbia. Police described the case as a “monstrous crime” that has shocked the community.

Columbia Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook explained at a news conference Saturday that Baker was found dead last Wednesday in an unoccupied home after a fire was reported there.

“Brutal, atrocious, cruel, horrifying, monstrous and disturbing. “Those are the words I would use to describe this murder investigation,” he added.

His disappearance had been reported days before, on January 12, and the last place where he was seen was about 30 kilometers from where his body was discovered.

“The cause of death was not an accident,” said Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford. “Ka’Niyah was brutally beaten, stabbed and subsequently burned.”

Suspects with problematic backgrounds

The two defendants, both minors, have a history of escapes and legal problems. One of them, 16 years old, had been reported missing the same day as Baker, after cutting off an ankle monitor that authorities in Georgia had imposed on her.

This young woman also had a history of disorderly conduct and other minor crimes, according to police.

The second suspect, 15 years old, She also had a history of running away and had been registered as a school dropout since December.

Both teens lived in Columbia and had crossed paths with Baker, who authorities said shared a history of running away from home or foster care.

A system under scrutiny

The case has highlighted the failures of the child protection system, Holbrook said. “We have a lot of work to do with our young people. “This case is not only heartbreaking, but also reflects a deep desperation in our society,” said.

The Fifth Circuit Solicitor, Byron Gipson, assured that they will seek justice in this case, although the motive behind the murder has not yet been determined.

“It is not common to find a level of violence like this in minors. “It is deeply disturbing,” he added.

Details prior to the discovery

Ka’Niyah Baker, originally from Sumter, had been placed in a foster home in Columbia before her disappearance. When she was reported missing, authorities issued alerts warning that she was in danger.

However, at that time he had already died, which caused confusion in the initial reports.

Rutherford explained that the pamphlet issued about her disappearance was kept in circulation because it was hoped there was a possibility she was alive. “The description matched that of other missing young women, which led us to continue searching with hope,” said.

Holbrook called the investigation one of the most difficult of his career. “The most alarming thing about this case is the lack of emotional reaction in the people involved.”. “It is something that deeply affects conscience,” he said.

With information from Law&Crime.

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