Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Mortal Remains of Two California Killing Victims Brought Home
The remains of two women who died in California were brought back to Kerala.
The women were Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari.
They were allegedly killed in separate attacks on August 28.
The attacks happened in San Jose and Milpitas, which are less than 20 kilometres apart.
Police identified Anila Baby as the accused and arrested her on the same day.
One report says she was booked for both killings immediately, while another says the second murder charge came later.
Ann’s funeral was planned in Kottayam.
Anjana’s public tribute and cremation were planned in Thrissur.
The remains of Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari arrived at Cochin International Airport on September 21.
The women were allegedly killed in separate attacks on August 28 in San Jose and Milpitas, California.
Police and US media reports identified 32-year-old Anila Baby of Kottayam as the accused in both killings.
Baby was arrested on August 28; reports differ on whether she was booked for both killings immediately or initially charged only in Anjana’s death.
Ann’s funeral was scheduled in Kottayam, while Anjana’s public homage and cremation were scheduled in Thrissur.
- Who
- Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari were the alleged victims; Anila Baby was arrested and accused in the killings.
- What
- The women’s remains were transported from California to Kerala and handed to their relatives.
- When
- The alleged killings occurred on August 28, the remains arrived on September 21, and a second murder charge was reported on September 8.
- Where
- The attacks occurred in San Jose and Milpitas, California; the remains arrived at Cochin International Airport in Kochi, Kerala.
- Why
- The remains were returned to Kerala for funeral and cremation arrangements; the reports do not state a motive.
- Victims
- Ann Mary Mathew, 35, and Anjana Hari, 35
- Accused
- Anila Baby, 32, from Kottayam
- Incident date
- August 28
- Attack locations
- San Jose and Milpitas, California
- Airport arrival
- Cochin International Airport, Kochi, on September 21
- Transport route
- The remains were transported from San Francisco to Los Angeles and then brought to Kochi via Dubai
- Funeral arrangements
- Ann’s service was scheduled in Kottayam; Anjana’s public homage and cremation were scheduled in Thrissur
- Charging timeline
- Reports differ on whether Baby was booked for both killings on August 28 or initially charged in one case before the second charge on September 8
