Girl, 10, Found on Highway Was Allegedly ‘Tortured,’ Father and Girlfriend Arrested: ‘Black and Blue From Head to Toe’

An Arizona couple has been charged with murder after a 10-year-old girl was found unresponsive on a highway and later died from her injuries.

Authorities in Holbrook, Arizona, discovered Rebekah Baptiste on July 27 at the intersection of two highways, according to AZ Family, ABC 15, and 12 News, all citing the Apache County Sheriff’s Office. She was transported to a medical facility but succumbed to her injuries on July 30.

Rebekah’s father, 32-year-old Richard Baptiste, and his 29-year-old girlfriend, Anicia Woods, were arrested and are facing charges in connection with the child’s death.

According to court records reviewed by PEOPLE, both individuals are charged with first-degree murder and child abuse. It remains unclear if either has entered a plea or retained legal representation.

During a court hearing on August 4, prosecutors alleged that Rebekah had been subjected to ongoing abuse. Medical staff concluded the child was dehydrated, malnourished, and showed signs of “torture,” as reported by AZ Family and ABC 15.

Prosecutors also stated the girl was missing her toenails and displayed evidence of “child physical abuse, sexual abuse and torture,” according to AZ Family.

“She was black and blue from her head to toe,” said her uncle Damon Hawkins in an interview with AZ Family. “She had two black eyes, and they’re thinking the cause of death was because of a hemorrhage.”

According to AZ Family, Rebekah’s school had reported concerns to the Department of Child Safety (DCS) on 12 separate occasions, though it appears no “meaningful action” was taken in response.

PEOPLE has reached out to DCS Arizona for comment. In a statement to AZ Family, the department said it is “actively collaborating with law enforcement in a joint investigation to ensure that the people responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice.”