Two South Carolina teenagers have been arrested and charged with the brutal murder of 13-year-old Ka’Niyah Baker, whose body was found “beaten, stabbed and burned” in a vacant house. The horrific crime took place in Columbia, South Carolina, and has shocked the community.
The suspects, ages 15 and 16, face murder charges following the discovery of Ka’Niyah’s remains Wednesday night. She had been reported missing previously and when authorities found her, they determined she had suffered “traumatic injuries” to her face and body.
The incident unfolded when the Columbia-Richland Fire Department responded to a fire at a vacant house in Cardamon Court around 10:30 p.m.. Upon entering the residence, they discovered Ka’Niyah’s lifeless body. Police were immediately called to the scene and later confirmed that the young woman had suffered severe burns and that her injuries appeared to be intentional.
Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook described the case as “brutal, heinous, cruel, gruesome, monstrous and disturbing,” reflecting the brutal nature of the crime. He further explained that the fire department arrived and found smoke coming from the home and after entering, they located Ka’Niyah’s body inside.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed that Ka’Niyah’s death was not accidental. “The manner of death was not an accident. “Ka’Niyah was beaten, stabbed and burned,” he said during a press conference. Chief Holbrook shared that Ka’Niyah, originally from Sumter, South Carolina, had recently been in foster care in Columbia. WBTV reported.
He also provided details about the suspects, who had run away from home in the past and had a history of trouble with the law. The 16-year-old suspect had been missing since January 12 and had cut off her ankle monitor. The suspect, 15, also lived in Columbia and was enrolled in school until he recently dropped out.
The police chief expressed his concern about the tragic case and stated: “This shocks my conscience. We have work to do with our system. We have work to do with our young people. There is too much desperation. And we have to change that.” The investigation continues as authorities work to understand the full scope of the tragedy and its impact on the community.