South Carolina Teens Charged in Horrific Killing of 13-Year-Old Girl

Jan 21

Person with red hair wears glasses and headphones, taking a mirror selfie with a blue phone. The background is blurred. — Young victim found after tragic incident in Columbia fire; investigation reveals severe violence.

In a case described by authorities as "gut-wrenching" and "shocking to the conscience," two South Carolina teenagers, aged 16 and 15, have been charged with the brutal murder of 13-year-old Ka’Niyah Baker. The victim’s body was discovered last Wednesday night inside a vacant house on Cardamon Court in Columbia, which had been set on fire. The Columbia Police Department later confirmed that Ka’Niyah had been bludgeoned, stabbed, and burned.

Ka’Niyah was reported missing on January 12, with her last known location approximately 20 miles from where her body was found. Flyers circulated on January 16 warned that she was in danger, but by then, she had already been found deceased.

Ka’Niyah, born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, was living in foster care in Columbia at the time of her death. Police Chief Skip Holbrook noted that both Ka’Niyah and the two teenage suspects had a history of being runaways, with all three reported missing at various times over the past two months.

Details on the Suspects

The first suspect, a 16-year-old girl from Columbia, was reported missing by her mother on January 12. She has a history of behavioral issues, including disorderly conduct, malicious injury, and throwing bodily fluids. Additionally, she was wanted by Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice for removing her ankle monitor earlier this month. The teen was last enrolled in a local high school in January 2024 but has since dropped out and is known as a frequent runaway.

The second suspect, a 15-year-old girl, also from Columbia, had been enrolled in a local high school as recently as December but had also dropped out. Like the first suspect, she was frequently reported missing.

A Tragic End for Ka’Niyah

Ka’Niyah’s tragic death has left her community reeling. Her time in foster care and history as a runaway underscore the vulnerability of children in unstable situations. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances leading to this horrific crime.

“This is one of the most devastating cases our community has faced,” said Police Chief Holbrook. “Our hearts go out to Ka’Niyah’s family and those who knew her.”