California twin murders | Cops say Anila ran over Anjana with ‘malice aforethought’: Report
Anila Baby accused of killing Anjana Hari by SUV and suspected in Ann Mary’s stabbing; motive remains unclear as families grapple for answers
The Milpitas police in California have reportedly filed in court that Anila Baby ran over her friend Anjana Hari intentionally and have described the act as carried out with “malice aforethought”.
The police have also reportedly submitted that the 32-year-old Anila was armed at the time though it is not clear what that weapon was.
No attempt to brake: Police
According to a report by The Mercury News, a San Jose-based news portal, Anila has been charged with murder for the death of Anjana (35) in the parking lot of Mill Creek Apartments.
According to police affidavits, the act was intentional. Witnesses reportedly saw Anila accelerate her SUV directly at Anjana, who was smiling and approaching the vehicle.
Also read: New detail in California twin murders: Hit-and-run, stabbing 17 km and 1.5 hrs apart
Investigators reportedly found no skid marks at the spot, suggesting that she made no attempt to brake, and noted that Anila scraped past other cars and nearly struck pedestrians while fleeing. Anjana suffered severe head trauma and bleeding, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Motive still unclear
About 90 minutes later, San Jose police discovered a third friend of the two, 40‑year‑old Ann Mary Mathew, stabbed to death in her home. Ann’s husband, Jacob, reportedly rushed home after hearing of Anjana’s death, only to find his wife murdered.
Authorities suspect Anila’s involvement in both killings, though the motive remains unclear.
Anila was reportedly found in a nearby parking lot after Anjana’s murder, incoherent, injured, and with blood on her arms and legs. She was taken into custody and is currently held at the Santa Clara County Main Jail.
Also read: Three homes, no answers: Shock and disbelief in Keralam over California murders
Prosecutors reportedly argued that her actions demonstrated sophistication and intent, while defence details have not yet been made public.
Community grapples for answers
The case has shocked the Malayali community in California as well as Keralam, as all three women were close friends who had recently celebrated Onam and watched a movie together.
Families in Keralam have expressed disbelief, describing Anila as calm, devout, and soft‑spoken, which makes the allegations even more difficult to comprehend.
Community members have pointed out that Anila had recently lost her job, while Ann had secured new employment, though police have not confirmed any motive linked to financial stress or jealousy.