Milpitas woman accused of deliberately running over friend, charged with murder
Anila Baby, 32, has been charged with murder after allegedly killing 35-year-old Anjana Hari in an intentional hit-and-run at a Milpitas apartment complex.
Milpitas hit-and-run death ruled homicide, friend charged with murder
A woman from Milpitas, California, has been charged with first-degree murder after investigators determined she deliberately drove a vehicle into a friend, killing her at an apartment complex parking lot, abc7news.com reports.
Anila Baby, 32, faces one count of murder filed by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office following the death of Anjana Hari, 35, who was identified by friends and community members. The incident occurred on August 28 at the Mill Creek Apartments on Dixon Landing Road.
Police were initially called to the scene after reports of a hit-and-run involving a blue SUV that struck a pedestrian and fled. Investigators later concluded the act was intentional and reclassified the case as a homicide.
According to a statement of facts filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, witnesses told investigators that Hari had approached the vehicle moments before the collision. One witness said she "appeared to be smiling and seemed to be friendly with the driver." A second witness described Hari and the driver as "good friends."
A witness further observed the vehicle stationary in the parking lot as Hari walked toward it. When she moved in front of the car, "the vehicle suddenly accelerated" and struck her, that witness told police. The vehicle then continued forward, hitting three parked cars before leaving the complex.
No tyre marks indicating any attempt to brake before impact were found, a traffic officer who reviewed the scene reported. Prosecutors allege the crime involved great violence and was executed with planning and sophistication.
The suspect vehicle was later located at a Walgreens less than a mile from the apartment complex. Officers found Baby inside a damaged blue Toyota Highlander. Court documents state she appeared "incoherent" and had "visible injuries and blood on her arms and legs."
Based on witness accounts and physical evidence, investigators concluded the collision was deliberate. In the supporting statement of facts, they wrote that Baby "intentionally" struck Hari with the vehicle before fleeing.
Hari died at the scene. Friends have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her husband following her death. Neighbours told abc7news.com off camera that the incident has been difficult to process.
Police activity remained visible at the apartment complex nearly a week after the incident. Milpitas police have confirmed the investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milpitas Police Department; anonymous tips may also be submitted.
Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)