A California woman has been charged with murder after authorities say she deliberately ran over her friend with an SUV in the parking lot of their apartment complex.
Anila Baby, 32, was arrested following the Aug. 28 death of 35-year-old Anjana Hari at the Mill Creek Apartments in Milpitas, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Police were called to the complex shortly after noon following reports of a hit-and-run.
When officers arrived, they found Hari critically injured. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told investigators they saw a blue SUV flee the apartment complex after the collision.
Police soon located Baby about a mile away, parked outside a Walgreens with the SUV, which reportedly had heavy damage to its front end.
According to court documents, officers attempted to speak with Baby, but she appeared “incoherent” and was unable to answer their questions. Police also reportedly noticed blood on her arms and legs.
Investigators later determined that three other vehicles had been damaged during the incident.
Friends and relatives told authorities that Baby and Hari knew each other, were friends and lived in the same apartment complex.
Witnesses described Hari as appearing “relaxed and smiling” when she approached Baby’s SUV in the parking lot shortly before she was struck.
Prosecutors allege Baby was stopped when she suddenly accelerated while Hari was standing in front of the vehicle.
Baby allegedly struck Hari, ran her over and then crashed into several parked vehicles before driving away.
A traffic officer who examined the scene reportedly found no tire marks suggesting that the driver attempted to brake before hitting Hari.
Investigators said the evidence led them to believe the collision was intentional rather than an accident.
Baby has now been charged with murder.
The criminal complaint also reportedly includes aggravating allegations accusing Baby of committing the killing with great violence, using a vehicle as a weapon and engaging in planning.
Authorities have not publicly revealed a possible motive.
Hari reportedly moved to the United States in 2021. She leaves behind her husband, Vijesh, and their 6-year-old daughter.
Friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Hari’s husband and family following her death.
Baby is scheduled to return to court on Sept. 10 as the murder case moves forward.
