A California woman faces a murder charge after allegedly striking and killing her friend with an SUV within their shared apartment complex. Anila Baby, 32, has been formally charged with one count of murder in connection with the death of Anjana Hari, 35, which occurred on August 28. The Santa Clara County criminal complaint details allegations that Hari’s death was carried out with “malice aforethought” and involved “great violence, use of a weapon and planning.” This incident unfolded at the Mill Creek Apartments in Milpitas, California.
Details of the Incident
Milpitas police officers were dispatched to the apartment complex shortly after noon on August 28, responding to a report of an injured individual. Upon arrival, they discovered Anjana Hari exhibiting severe head trauma and bleeding. Tragically, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Initial witness accounts provided to law enforcement suggested a friendly interaction between the victim and the driver of the vehicle shortly before the incident. One witness stated Hari “appeared to be smiling and seemed to be friendly with the driver,” while another described them as “good friends.”
However, a third witness offered a different perspective, reporting that he observed the SUV stationary within the complex, where both Baby and Hari resided. According to this witness, as Hari moved in front of the vehicle, it “suddenly accelerated.” Court records further indicate that the SUV did not stop after hitting Hari, instead continuing its path and colliding with three parked cars before the driver fled the complex. An examination of the scene by a traffic officer reportedly found no evidence of braking, such as tire marks, suggesting the driver did not attempt to stop.
Suspect’s Apprehension and Condition
In the immediate aftermath, patrol officers in the vicinity observed a blue Toyota SUV being driven erratically. The vehicle was seen pulling into a nearby Walgreens parking lot. When officers approached the SUV, they noted significant damage to its front end. Anila Baby was found inside the vehicle, appearing incoherent and unable to respond to questions. She also had visible injuries and blood on her arms and legs.
Unclear Motive and Additional Allegations
The precise motive behind the alleged fatal incident remains unclear. However, reports suggest the fatal encounter may have followed another altercation. Information indicates that prior to the vehicle incident, Baby allegedly stabbed her roommate, Ann Mathew. Subsequently, she is reported to have called Anjana Hari downstairs before allegedly using her car to strike her.
Background and Community Response
All three women involved in the events are reportedly from Kerala, India. Anjana Hari had relocated to the United States in 2021. She is survived by her husband, Vijeesh, and their six-year-old daughter. In response to the tragedy, friends have initiated fundraising efforts to assist Hari’s family with funeral expenses and ongoing living costs.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi has stated that all necessary measures will be taken to facilitate the repatriation of the women’s remains to Kerala. He conferred with the Consul General at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, who confirmed that funeral homes handling the deceased had been instructed to complete the required documentation for transport back to India. However, Gopi noted that the exact timing of the repatriation is pending, as U.S. authorities might retain the bodies for further investigative purposes.
Legal Proceedings
Anila Baby is scheduled for an arraignment on September 10. The legal proceedings will determine the full circumstances and accountability for the events that led to Anjana Hari’s death.
