California murders: Suspect’s sandals found at victim’s home, video recordings deleted
Anila Baby faces two counts of first-degree murder for allegedly killing her two friends, and could face a sentence of 50 years to life imprisonment if found guilty
Investigators probing the twin murders of two Malayalee women, allegedly by their close friend Anila Baby, in California, have found that video recordings from victim Ann Mary Mathew’s home had been deleted around the time she was killed. The sandals of Anila were also found outside the victim’s residence, according to US-based ABC7 News.
Anila is accused of killing two of her close friends – Ann at her home in San Jose, and Anjana Hari in Milpitas – allegedly within about 90 minutes of each other.
Also read: Two Malayali women killed, third is accused: What we know so far about California case
Police reportedly arrested Anila after she allegedly attempted to flee the Milpitas scene in her vehicle. Investigators said she was covered in blood and had injuries to her face.
The two deceased women, both mothers, were reportedly close friends.
Anila produced in court
Meanwhile, 33-year-old Anila, who hails from Erattupetta and was residing in Milpitas, California, appeared before a Santa Clara County court on Thursday (September 10), days after her arrest.
Prosecutors allege that Ann was strangled and stabbed at her home on Linda Vista Street in San Jose on August 28. Her husband reportedly found her inside the house.
About 90 minutes later, Anjana was allegedly called to the parking lot of her apartment complex in Milpitas. Prosecutors allege that she was struck by a vehicle after walking in front of it. She died in the incident.
Investigators subsequently linked the two deaths and identified Anila as the suspect, ABC7 News reported.
Anila faces two counts of first-degree murder. If convicted, she could face a sentence of 50 years to life in prison.
Motive elusive, families await answers
“These are extremely serious charges. We believe that these were willful, premeditated and extremely violent crime scenes,” Deputy District Attorney Marisa McKeown was quoted as saying by ABC7 News.
The devastated families of the two deceased women are now seeking answers about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
“The biggest heartbreak of this case is these families were best friends and want answers as to why someone could do this to their friend,” McKeown was quoted as saying.
Next hearing on November 17
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office filed murder charges against Anila in the Milpitas case on September 1. She was subsequently charged in connection with the San Jose homicide.
Also read: Three homes, no answers: Shock and disbelief in Keralam over California murders
She remains in custody without bail. She is scheduled to appear in court again on November 17, when she is expected to have an opportunity to enter a plea.
The charges are allegations and Anila has not been convicted.