13-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in Vacant Home, Two Teenagers Charged with Murder

Ka’Niyah Baker, a 13-year-old girl from Sumter, South Carolina, was tragically found dead on January 15th after a fire at a vacant home in the Capital Heights neighborhood. Authorities have charged two teenage girls, aged 15 and 16, in connection with her brutal murder.

Police discovered Baker’s body inside the burned residence around 10:30 p.m. The Columbia Police Department revealed that Baker suffered blunt force trauma, stab wounds, and severe burns, with Chief “Skip” Holbrook describing her injuries as “heinous.”

Baker, who had recently entered foster care, was reported missing on January 12th. She was last seen on January 13th on Auburnleaf Drive in Hopkins, South Carolina, and was considered to be in danger. Her identity was later confirmed through DNA testing, linking the case to a missing persons report filed with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

The two suspects, both teenagers from Columbia, had a history of running away from home. The 16-year-old, who had been reported missing by her mother on January 12th, removed her court-ordered ankle monitor prior to the incident. She also had a record of disorderly conduct. Both girls had previously attended high school but had dropped out.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed that Baker died from blunt force trauma, stating, “This is a horrific case. Ka’Niyah was bludgeoned, stabbed, and burned.” Investigators continue to probe the case for more details.

Chief Holbrook emphasized the brutality of the crime, calling it deeply disturbing. “This young girl’s life was cut short in an unimaginably violent way, and we are committed to finding justice for her and her loved ones,” he said.

The case has left the local community reeling, with many expressing grief and outrage over the senseless loss of Baker’s life. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation remains active.

As the legal process unfolds, the two teenage suspects are expected to face significant charges in what authorities are calling one of the most chilling cases they have encountered.