Missing 13-Year-Old Found Dead

The small town of Columbia is grappling with the horrifying murder of a local teenager, Kanaya Baker. Her remains were discovered in a deserted house that had been set ablaze on Cardamon Court earlier this week. On Friday, law enforcement officials confirmed her identity, unveiling a convoluted case that has plunged the community into a state of shock and mourning.

Kanaya was declared missing on Thursday, January 16. The Richland County deputies made her disappearance public around noon that day. The 16-year-old was last seen on the previous Monday, January 13, and her sudden disappearance had already caused concern among her loved ones.

In the early hours of Monday, a report was lodged with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department by an individual who alleged that Kanaya had run away between midnight and 6 a.m. The individual suggested that a recently bought phone might have played a role in her decision to leave.

By Wednesday night, local police officers were summoned to a house fire at 11:20 p.m., where they found Kanaya’s body. The site of the discovery was roughly 15 miles from her last known location, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation. Law enforcement officials are now pursuing promising leads related to her murder and the arson case.

The untimely death of Kanaya has deeply impacted the community, particularly her family. A family friend expressed the profound grief and devastation experienced by Kanaya’s loved ones, stating, “No parent should have to bury their child.”

This was not the first time Kanaya had been reported missing. She was previously reported missing from Sumter on July 3, 2024, and Sumter police have confirmed that the same girl was involved in that case. Despite various speculations on social media regarding her history, community leaders are urging the focus to remain on seeking justice for Kanaya.

Regardless of any past incidents, Kanaya’s tragic death has sparked a call for empathy and action. A community member emphasized, “She didn’t deserve to die,” urging others to prioritize the search for answers over judgment.

Columbia police are urging anyone with additional information about Kanaya Baker’s case to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to uncovering the truth behind her untimely death.