Witnesses described a friendly encounter moments before Anjana Hari was struck, while authorities have not said what may have prompted the deadly confrontation.
MILPITAS, Calif. — Witnesses said Anjana Hari smiled as she approached a friend’s SUV in the parking lot of their Milpitas apartment complex. Moments later, prosecutors allege, the vehicle accelerated into her, leaving the 35-year-old dead and investigators with no publicly disclosed motive for the killing.
The Aug. 28 death has led to a murder charge against 32-year-old Anila Baby, who also lived at the Mill Creek Apartments on Dixon Landing Road. Family members and other people interviewed by investigators described Hari and Baby as good friends, making the circumstances surrounding the encounter a major unresolved part of the case.
Police were called to the complex shortly after noon after receiving what was initially reported as a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian and a blue SUV. Hari was found at the scene and pronounced dead. Investigators later determined that the collision appeared to be intentional and shifted the case to a homicide investigation.
Court records describe an encounter that witnesses did not initially view as threatening. Hari walked toward the stopped SUV and appeared to acknowledge its driver. One witness said she was smiling and seemed friendly with the person behind the wheel. Another account described the two women as friends. Investigators have not reported an argument or other confrontation immediately before the vehicle moved forward.
Authorities allege Baby suddenly accelerated when Hari was positioned in front of the Toyota Highlander. The SUV struck Hari and then hit three parked vehicles as it continued through the lot, according to the statement of facts filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court. The driver then left the apartment complex.
A traffic investigator later reported finding no skid marks or other signs suggesting an attempt to brake before the impact. Police said that physical evidence, together with the witness accounts, supported their conclusion that Hari had been deliberately struck. Prosecutors subsequently charged Baby with one count of murder and included allegations related to violence and planning.
Police found Baby a short time later in the damaged SUV at a Walgreens parking lot less than a mile away. Investigators said she appeared incoherent and could not answer officers’ questions. She also had visible injuries, according to court records. Authorities have not publicly said whether those circumstances have provided any explanation for the alleged attack.
The case has also left Hari’s family and friends dealing with the sudden loss. Relatives told Indian media that she had moved to the United States in 2021 and was the mother of a 6-year-old daughter. Friends of her husband, Vijesh Vijayan, organized an online fundraiser to help the family with funeral and living expenses after her death.
Despite the details released from witness interviews and the scene investigation, police have not announced a motive. Investigators have not said publicly what may have happened before Hari entered the parking lot, whether the women had recently been in conflict or why prosecutors believe the alleged killing involved planning. The criminal complaint establishes the state’s accusation, not Baby’s guilt.
Baby remained jailed without bail as the case moved toward its next court proceeding. Her arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 10 in Santa Clara County. The investigation remains open as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding Hari’s death.
Author note: Last updated September 5, 2026.