A 32-year-old California woman is facing a murder charge after authorities allege she deliberately drove her SUV into a friend at an apartment complex in Milpitas, killing her.
Anila Baby has been charged with one count of murder in connection with the August 28 death of 35-year-old Anjana Hari, according to a Santa Clara County criminal complaint.
Prosecutors allege the killing was committed with “malice aforethought” and included claims of great violence, use of a weapon and planning.
Police Find Woman With Fatal Head Injuries
Milpitas police were called to the Mill Creek Apartments shortly after noon on August 28 following reports of a serious incident.
Officers found Hari suffering from severe head trauma and significant bleeding. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The circumstances surrounding her death quickly led investigators to focus on the SUV and its driver, who were both connected to the apartment complex.
Witnesses Describe Sudden Acceleration
According to court documents, witnesses described Baby and Hari as friends and said there appeared to be no immediate indication of hostility between them.
One witness reportedly told investigators that Hari appeared to be smiling and friendly with the driver shortly before the incident. Another described the two women as “good friends.”
A third witness gave investigators a more detailed account, saying he saw the SUV stopped inside the complex as Hari moved in front of it.
The vehicle then allegedly accelerated suddenly toward her.
Court records state that the SUV continued moving after striking Hari and subsequently crashed into three parked vehicles before leaving the apartment complex.
Investigators Say There Was No Sign of Braking
Evidence gathered at the scene has become a key part of the prosecution’s allegations.
A traffic officer who examined the area reportedly found no tire marks suggesting that the SUV’s driver had attempted to brake before the collision.
Police later received reports of a blue Toyota SUV being driven recklessly in the area before it entered a nearby Walgreens parking lot.
Officers who approached the vehicle allegedly found Baby still inside. Investigators said the SUV had heavy damage to its front end.
Baby Was Found Injured and Unable to Answer Questions
According to police accounts cited in court records, Baby appeared incoherent when officers encountered her.
She allegedly struggled to respond to their questions and had visible injuries, including blood on her arms and legs.
The precise circumstances surrounding those injuries have not been fully established publicly, while authorities have yet to disclose a clear motive for the alleged attack.
Reports Link Incident to Earlier Stabbing
Additional details reported by the New Indian Express have raised further questions about what happened in the moments before Hari was struck.
The report alleges that Baby stabbed her roommate, Ann Mathew, shortly before calling Hari downstairs.
Baby then allegedly used her SUV to ram into Hari.
The allegations involving Mathew form part of the broader circumstances surrounding the case, although the murder charge against Baby concerns Hari’s death.
All three women are from Kerala, India.
Hari’s Family Left Behind After Her Death
Hari moved to the United States in 2021 and is survived by her husband, Vijeesh, and their six-year-old daughter.
Friends and supporters have launched a fundraising campaign to help the family deal with funeral expenses and other living costs following her death.
The tragedy has also drawn attention in Kerala, where efforts are being made to return Hari’s remains to her family.
Indian Authorities Work on Repatriation
Union Minister Suresh Gopi said steps were being taken to facilitate the return of the women’s remains to Kerala.
Gopi said he had spoken with the Consul General at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and was informed that funeral homes handling the remains had been instructed to complete the necessary documentation for repatriation.
The timetable remains uncertain, however, because US authorities could retain the bodies while the investigation continues.
Murder Case Heads Toward Arraignment
Baby remains in custody as the criminal case moves forward. She is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on September 10.
The prosecution’s allegations, including claims that the vehicle was intentionally accelerated and that there was no evidence of braking, are expected to be central to the case.
For now, investigators have not publicly established a motive for the alleged killing, and the accusations against Baby remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
