The horrific death of 13-year-old Ka’Niyah Baker has left the Columbia community reeling. Police discovered her body in a vacant home on Wednesday night, Jan. 15, 2025, just days after she was reported missing.
Authorities have since arrested two teenage girls in connection with the brutal murder.
Described by Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook as “heinous, vicious, and monstrous,” Baker’s death has drawn attention to systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children.
Details of the Case
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford revealed during a press conference that Ka’Niyah’s death was a homicide.
“Ka’Niyah was bludgeoned, stabbed, and burned,” Rutherford said, adding that DNA evidence was required to confirm her identity.
The cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma.
Ka’Niyah was last seen in the Hopkins area on Jan. 13. Originally from Sumter, she had been placed in foster care in Columbia.
Her body was discovered in a vacant house on Cardamon Court after fire crews responded to a blaze at the location.
Arrests Made
Two teenage girls, aged 16 and 15, were arrested late Friday night, Jan. 17, 2025, in connection with the murder. The 16-year-old, previously reported missing on Jan. 12, has a history of criminal behavior and was wanted by the Department of Juvenile Justice after cutting off her ankle monitor.
The 15-year-old, described as a frequent runaway who had dropped out of high school, was also taken into custody. 5th Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson stated that his office plans to petition the family court to charge both suspects as adults.
Community Leaders React
Ka’Niyah’s tragic death has prompted an outpouring of grief and calls for action from Columbia officials.
City Manager Teresa Wilson expressed her heartbreak, stating:
“Ka’Niyah’s death has shaken me at my core. In our beautiful city with so much growth and prosperity, we must ensure that all of our children are protected and surrounded with resources and hope.”
Councilman Edward McDowell Jr. called for collective responsibility.
“This is a tragedy that should have never occurred. As a community, we must remain accountable, vigilant, and aware of our surroundings to protect our youth,” he said.
At-large Councilman Tyler Bailey spoke about the need for community action:
“Our hearts are broken after this tragic and senseless loss of a young, beautiful soul. All local agencies must continue to work together to better protect our children.”
A Call to Parents
Chief Holbrook delivered a stern message to parents amid rising violent crimes involving minors.
“You’ve got to be nosy and involved in your children’s lives. Know where they are, who they’re with, and what they’re doing,” he said.
For many in the community, Ka’Niyah’s story is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable children and community-driven efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future.
