Double Murder of Malayali Women in California: Accused Anila Charged With Felony Murder

California: Police have charged Malayali woman Anila Baby, 32, with felony murder in connection with the death of Anjana Hari, 35, a native of Thrissur, who was living in Milpitas, California. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.

The investigation was led by Detective Tyler Good and Detective Sergeant Eric Bernardo of the Milpitas Police Department. Anila is currently being held at the Santa Clara County Main Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on September 9.

Anila is a native of Maramattam in Erattupetta, Kottayam. Police are also investigating her in connection with the death of Anne Mary Mathew, 40, from Kesavadasapuram, Thiruvananthapuram. Anne Mary was fatally stabbed inside the apartment shortly before Anjana was killed. All three women lived in the same apartment complex.

Police received information about the incident at Mill Creek Apartments, located at 440 Dixon Landing Road in Milpitas, on the afternoon of August 28. The initial call stated that a blue SUV had struck a female pedestrian near Building F of the apartment complex.

Officer Munoz, Sergeant Tan and Officer Orencia immediately reached the scene. Anjana was found lying in the parking lot with severe head injuries and bleeding heavily.

The Milpitas Fire and Paramedics team attempted to save her life, but Anjana was pronounced dead. It was established that she had been struck in the parking area. The sides of three vehicles parked nearby had also been damaged.

Anila was later found sitting inside the vehicle parked at a Walgreens parking lot on Milpitas Boulevard. When officers reached the location and inspected the SUV, its front end was found to be completely damaged.

Police attempted to question Anila, who was inside the vehicle, but she did not respond to their questions. Investigators also found that her statements were contradictory. Police said Anila had injuries and bloodstains on her hands and legs.

Further investigation established that Anila and Anjana knew each other and were friends who lived in the same apartment complex.

According to reports, several witnesses stated thatthe car had deliberately accelerated and struck Anjana at high speed. The witnesses said the vehicle ran over the woman and then collided with three other vehicles before leaving the area without stopping.

According to reports, one of the eyewitness who had parked a car at the scene provided investigators with key information. The witness said they saw Anjana approaching the vehicle carrying a bag. They initially assumed that the driver was either her friend or an Uber driver. When Anjana reached the front of the vehicle, the SUV suddenly accelerated and struck her, the witness said.

Based on the eyewitness accounts and physical evidence, police concluded that Anila had deliberately driven the vehicle into Anjana.