Indian-origin woman charged in deaths of two Kerala-linked friends in California

• Anila Baby, 32, faces two first-degree murder charges.
• Two victims were identified as Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari.
• The killings occurred in San Jose and Milpitas on August 28.
• Police linked the two cases and arrested Baby the same day.
• Kerala officials are helping families bring the victims’ remains home.

An Indian-origin woman has been arrested and charged with killing two friends in separate attacks in California, authorities said. Anila Baby, 32, is accused of killing Ann Mary Mathew, 35, and Anjana Hari, 35, in San Jose and Milpitas within roughly 90 minutes of each other. All three women were friends and had roots in Kerala.

First death reported at San Jose home

The first killing occurred on August 28 at Mathew’s home on Linda Vista Street in San Jose, according to investigators. Police said Mathew was found unconscious inside the residence with stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to reports, an unexpected visitor had arrived at the home before the attack. Prosecutors said Mathew was later discovered by her husband.

Investigators subsequently connected the San Jose killing to the second incident in nearby Milpitas, leading them to identify Baby as a suspect.

Second friend killed in vehicle attack

About 90 minutes later, authorities said Baby contacted Hari and asked her to come to the parking lot of their apartment complex in Milpitas. The two women lived at the same complex and were described by friends and relatives as close friends.

Witnesses told investigators that Hari appeared calm as she approached Baby’s SUV. Police allege that when Hari stepped in front of the vehicle, the SUV suddenly accelerated and struck her.

Authorities said Baby then allegedly left the complex and collided with three other vehicles. Police later located a blue Toyota SUV about one mile away, outside a retail pharmacy.

Officers reportedly found Baby near the vehicle. She was described as incoherent and unable to answer questions, and authorities said she had blood on her arms and legs. She was arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail.

Motive remains under investigation

Baby was initially charged in connection with Hari’s death. On Tuesday (8), prosecutors added a murder charge in Mathew’s death. She now faces two counts of first-degree murder and could receive a sentence of 50 years to life if convicted, according to reports.

“The motive and circumstances surrounding the event are still under investigation,” the San Jose Police Department said.

Baby appeared in Santa Clara County court for the first time on Thursday and is scheduled to return on November 17, when she is expected to have an opportunity to enter a plea.

There has been speculation that employment-related difficulties in the US may have played a role, but authorities have not confirmed any connection between employment issues and the killings.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government has stepped up efforts to help return the victims’ remains to India. State officials are assisting the families with legal procedures, while the Indian Embassy and the Malayali Association in California are also providing support.

The families are awaiting completion of post-mortem examinations and other legal formalities before the remains can be released and transported to Kerala for final rites.