Anila Baby, 33, is accused of strangling and stabbing Ann Mary Mathew in San Jose before allegedly killing Anjana Hari in Milpitas about 90 minutes later, according to prosecutors, as reported by ABC7 News.

Baby faces two counts of first-degree murder and could face a sentence of 50 years to life in prison if convicted.

“Both women were mothers. They are residents of our community, and their families are suffering terribly from the ultimate question of ‘Why would someone do this?’” Deputy District Attorney Marisa McKeown was quoted as saying by ABC7 News.

“These are extremely serious charges. We believe that these were willful, premeditated and extremely violent crime scenes,” she added.

First Killing in San Jose

Police said the first killing occurred on August 28 at Mathew’s home in San Jose.

“When officers arrived, they located an unconscious and unresponsive adult female inside the residence suffering from unknown injuries. The victim succumbed to her injuries and medical personnel on scene pronounced her deceased,” the San Jose Police Department said in a statement.

The SJPD Homicide Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

“With additional assistance from the Santa Clara County Crime Lab and Santa Clara County Medical Examiner’s Office, evidence was located at the scene and the victim was found to be suffering from at least one stab wound. This investigation was ruled a homicide,” police said.

On August 28, 2026, the Milpitas Police Department located and arrested Baby in Milpitas. She was subsequently booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail in connection with a separate incident.

On September 8, 2026, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the San Jose Police Department’s homicide investigation and subsequently charged Baby with murder.

The motive and circumstances surrounding the alleged killings remain under investigation.