COLUMBIA, SC – The Columbia community is grappling with the tragic news of the murder of a teenage girl, Kanaya Baker, whose body was discovered in a vacant home after a fire on Cardamon Court earlier this week. Authorities confirmed her identity on Friday, unveiling a complex case that has left residents in shock and mourning.
Kanaya was reported missing on Thursday, January 16, with details of her disappearance shared publicly by the Richland County deputies around noon. The 16-year-old had last been seen on Monday, January 13, and her sudden disappearance had already sparked concern among her family and friends.
In the early hours of Monday, at around 6:20 a.m., a report was made to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department by an individual who claimed Kanaya had run away between midnight and 6 a.m. The informant suggested that a recently purchased phone might have played a role in her decision to leave.
By Wednesday night, Columbia police officers responded to a house fire at 11:20 p.m., where they found Kanaya’s body. The discovery was made approximately 15 miles from where she was last sighted, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. Authorities are now pursuing promising leads in connection with her murder and the arson case.
The pain of losing Kanaya has been palpable within the community, particularly among her family. “No parent should have to bury their child,” a family acquaintance shared, reflecting on the profound grief and devastation experienced by Kanaya’s loved ones. Conversations with the family revealed the depth of their heartbreak.
This was not the first time Kanaya had been reported missing. Previously, on July 3, 2024, she was reported missing from Sumter, and Sumter police have confirmed that the same girl was involved in that case. Social media has been abuzz with various speculations regarding her history, but community leaders urge the focus to remain on seeking justice for Kanaya.
Despite any past incidents, the tragic end to Kanaya’s life has sparked a call for empathy and action. “She didn’t deserve to die,” a community member emphasized, urging others to prioritize the quest for answers over judgment.
Columbia police have requested that anyone with additional information about Kanaya Baker’s case come forward. The investigation remains active, and authorities are determined to uncover the truth behind her untimely death.