Man Admits ‘I Just Wanted Her Dead’ After Alleged Murder of Girlfriend in ‘Self-Defense’ Claim
(Image: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police)
An Indiana man arrested for the brutal murder of his girlfriend told police that it was “self-defense” while also confessing that he “wanted her dead.” Regulus Baka, 22, was taken into custody on December 30 after the discovery of his 19-year-old girlfriend, Sha’Naiya McDonald, dead from blunt force trauma in their southside apartment.
The gruesome scene was discovered by McDonald’s 19-year-old roommate, who immediately contacted police and pointed to two potential suspects: Baka, the victim’s current boyfriend, or the father of her child. Upon entering the apartment, officers found McDonald with injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, told CBS4indy.
Despite the efforts of medics, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Signs of a struggle were evident, with blood splattered throughout the apartment. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police (IMPD) swiftly identified Baka as the primary suspect with help from the community and advanced investigative techniques.
On Tuesday, Baka was apprehended after barricading himself in an apartment in Greenwood. The IMPD Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was called in, and after using distraction tools, Baka was arrested.
In his statement to the police, Baka claimed that he had visited McDonald on the morning of her murder to celebrate her 20th birthday, which was on New Year’s Eve. He described an on-and-off relationship filled with violence, alleging that McDonald would often slap him and make threats to kill his family.
On the day of the murder, Baka stated that McDonald became angry, started hitting him, and grabbed a knife. He claimed that he acted in self-defense as she threatened to kill him. According to Baka, he began punching her repeatedly in the head before picking up a space heater and striking her four times.
He then used a kitchen pan to continue hitting her while she was lying on the floor, screaming for help. Baka coldly admitted to the police, “I just wanted her dead.” Surveillance and traffic cameras captured Baka’s hasty escape from the scene, ultimately leading to his arrest.
The case highlights the tragic reality of domestic violence, with at least three women dying every day in such situations, according to Sanctuary for Families. As the investigation continues, authorities are left to piece together the details of a violent outburst that turned deadly.
