An Indiana man arrested for the brutal murder of his girlfriend told police it was “self-defense” while also confessing that he “wanted her dead.” Regulus Baka, 22, was arrested Dec. 30 after the discovery of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Sha’Naiya McDonald, dead from blunt force trauma in their South Side apartment.
The gruesome scene was discovered by McDonald’s 19-year-old roommate, who immediately contacted police and pointed out two possible suspects: Baka, the victim’s current boyfriend, or the father of her child. Upon entering the apartment, officers found McDonald with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, they said. CBS4indy.
Despite doctors’ efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Signs of a struggle were evident, with blood splattered throughout the apartment. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police (IMPD) quickly identified Baka as the primary suspect with the help of the community and advanced investigative techniques.
On Tuesday, Baka was arrested after barricading himself in an apartment in Greenwood. IMPD’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called in and, after using distraction tools, Baka was arrested.
In his statement to the police.Baka claimed that he had visited McDonald on the morning of his murder to celebrate his 20th birthday, which was on New Year’s Eve. He described an on-again, off-again relationship filled with violence, alleging that McDonald often slapped him and threatened to kill his family.
On the day of the murder, Baka claimed McDonald became angry, began hitting him and grabbed a knife. He claimed he acted in self-defense when she threatened to kill him. According to Baka, he began hitting her repeatedly on the head before grabbing a heater and hitting her four times.
He then used a kitchen frying pan to continue hitting her as she lay on the floor screaming for help. Baka coldly admitted to the police: “I just wanted her dead.” Surveillance and traffic cameras captured Baka’s hasty escape from the scene, which ultimately led to his arrest.
The case highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence, where at least three women die every day in these types of situations, according to Sanctuary for Families. As the investigation continues, authorities must piece together the details of a violent outburst that turned deadly.