Honk News (Columbia, SC) – In a deeply disturbing incident, two teenagers, aged 16 and 15, are now charged with murder after the brutal attack on a 13-year-old girl. Authorities describe the crime as a horrific act that leaves the community in disbelief.
“Brutal, heinous, vicious, gruesome, monstrous and disturbing. These are the words I’d use to describe this murder investigation,” said Columbia Police Chief William “Skip” Holbrook at a press conference Saturday.
Last Wednesday night, the Columbia Police Department reported that Ka’Niyah Baker, the victim, was discovered deceased in a fire at an abandoned residence on Cardamon Court in Columbia. She was last seen on January 12, and her disappearance was noted with her being located approximately 20 miles from that sighting.
“The manner of death was not an accident,” said Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford at Saturday’s presser. “Ka’Niyah was bludgeoned, stabbed and burned.”
Holbrook reports that Baker hails from Sumter and most recently experienced foster care in Columbia. According to Holbrook, she and the two suspects share a background of being “runaways,” with each having gone missing in the last two months after departing from their homes.
“First suspect is a 16-year-old female,” Holbrook said. “Her last known address was in Columbia. She was reported missing by her mom on Jan. 12. She has a history of disorderly conduct, malicious injury, throwing bodily fluids; she was wanted by the Department of Juvenile Justice (Georgia) for cutting off her ankle monitor around Jan. 12. She was last enrolled in a local high school in January 2024 and she’s currently listed as dropped out and she is a frequent runaway.”
A 15-year-old female, identified as the second suspect, was reported to have her last known address in Columbia as well. “According to Holbrook, she had also been attending a local high school since last December.” “She is presently categorized as having withdrawn, and she often goes missing.”
Holbrook described Baker by stating, “She also has a history of running away.” The individual passed away due to blunt force trauma.
“We expect to pursue justice in this matter,” Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson told reporters. A motive has yet to be released.
“When you talk to people that have been involved in committing heinous crimes like this, you’re looking to seek answers and read their reactions,” Holbrook said. “But sometimes, it’s when there are no reactions is what’s most troubling.”
Following the initial report of Baker’s disappearance, flyers were distributed on January 16, indicating that she was thought to be in peril, as reported. By that time, she had already been discovered deceased in the blaze.
Holbrook expressed to reporters that Baker’s murder has presented significant challenges for investigators.