California Murder Case: Police Allege Anila Baby Planned to Kill Friend Anjana

Police in California have alleged in court that Anila Baby acted with “malice aforethought” and with planning in connection with the death of her friend Anjana, who was killed in a collision at a Milpitas apartment complex. The case remains under investigation, and no motive has been publicly disclosed.

Anila Baby, a 32-year-old Kerala native from Kottayam, has been charged in connection with the death of her friend Anjana, 35, following a fatal collision in Milpitas, California, authorities said.

According to a police report filed in the County of Santa Clara Hall of Justice, Superior Court of California, on September 1, investigators alleged that Baby committed the offence with “malice aforethought.” Police also told the court that the circumstances surrounding the incident indicated planning and intentional conduct.

The allegations are part of an ongoing criminal case, and the accusations against Baby have not been established as guilt in a court of law.

Fatal Collision at Milpitas Apartment Complex

Anjana died following a hit-and-run collision in the parking area of the Mill Creek apartments on August 28.

Police officers who responded to the incident found her with severe head trauma and significant bleeding, according to a police affidavit cited by The Mercury News. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators have alleged that Baby intentionally struck Anjana with her vehicle. The police report submitted to the court reportedly stated that the available reports and documents established probable cause for Baby’s continued pre-trial detention.

She is currently being held at the county’s main jail, according to the information provided to the court.

Witness Accounts Cited in Police Affidavit

The Mercury News, citing a police affidavit, reported that eyewitness accounts played an important role in the investigation.

According to the report, witnesses told investigators that Anjana appeared relaxed and was smiling as she approached Baby’s vehicle. The interaction reportedly suggested that the two women knew each other and were on friendly terms.

One witness reportedly told police that after Anjana moved in front of the vehicle, the driver accelerated and struck her. The vehicle allegedly continued through the area and came into contact with other cars, according to the affidavit cited by the publication.

Another witness reportedly said that people had to move away as the vehicle left the parking area to avoid being struck.

Police also reportedly found no tyre friction or skid marks indicating an attempt to brake before the collision. Investigators cited this as part of the evidence supporting their allegation that the incident was intentional, according to The Mercury News report.

Vehicle Allegedly Drove Past Patrol Units

According to the affidavit cited by The Mercury News, the vehicle allegedly continued driving recklessly after the collision and passed patrol vehicles before entering a neighbouring parking area along North Milpitas Boulevard.

Detectives reportedly approached the vehicle and found Baby speaking incoherently and unable to answer questions, according to the news report. The affidavit also reportedly noted visible injuries and blood on her arms and legs.

Authorities are expected to continue examining the evidence as the criminal proceedings move forward.

Separate Investigation Into Death of Ann Mathew

Baby is also being investigated in connection with the death of another Kerala native, Ann Mathew, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram.

Mathew was found dead with stab wounds at her residence in San Jose on August 28, according to reports cited in the case coverage.

Authorities have not publicly announced a possible motive connecting the incidents, and police have not disclosed detailed information about the circumstances behind the deaths.

The San Jose Police Department and Milpitas Police Department have so far not publicly revealed a motive in either investigation.

Court Filing Alleges Planning and Intent

The allegations presented in the court filing go beyond the claim that the fatal collision was accidental.

Police have told the court that the manner in which the alleged crime was carried out indicated planning, sophistication and intentional conduct. The report also referred to Baby allegedly being armed with a weapon at the time of the offence.

However, the specific evidence supporting each allegation will ultimately be subject to the criminal justice process and any proceedings that follow.

Investigation Continues

The case has drawn significant attention because of the deaths of two women with roots in Kerala on the same day and the subsequent investigation involving Baby.

At present, the available information consists largely of allegations contained in police documents, court filings and witness accounts reported by news organisations. Investigators have not publicly disclosed a possible motive.

As the investigations in Milpitas and San Jose continue, further details may emerge through official statements, court proceedings and evidence presented in the cases.