SAN JOSE AND MILPITAS, Calif. — Two California mothers who were best friends were killed in separate incidents just miles apart, leaving their families searching for answers as a 32-year-old woman faces two counts of first-degree murder.

Anila Baby, of Milpitas, appeared in a Santa Clara County courtroom Thursday for the first time after authorities accused her of killing Ann Mary Mathew and Anjana Hari in separate attacks on August 28.

The killings happened approximately 90 minutes apart in San Jose and Milpitas, according to prosecutors.

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

That question remains at the center of the case, as investigators have not publicly identified a motive.

First Killing Reported at San Jose Home

The first incident occurred at Mathew’s residence in San Jose, where witnesses reported seeing an unexpected visitor arrive at the home. Mathew’s husband later discovered her body inside the residence.

Investigators said Mathew suffered strangulation and stab wounds during the attack. Authorities also said video recordings from the residence were deleted during the incident.

However, investigators reportedly found a potential clue outside the home: Baby’s sandals were left behind.

Police continued working to determine who was responsible and whether the San Jose killing was connected to another violent incident that happened shortly afterward.

Approximately 90 minutes later, authorities say a second deadly attack occurred in nearby Milpitas.

Second Woman Struck by Vehicle in Milpitas

Hari, 33, was reportedly called outside to the parking lot of her apartment complex in Milpitas.

According to court documents, Hari stepped in front of a vehicle before the driver accelerated and struck her. She was killed in what prosecutors described as a hit-and-run attack.

The two incidents initially appeared to be separate, but police eventually connected the cases through forensic analysis and interviews.

Authorities later arrested Baby after she allegedly attempted to flee the Milpitas scene in her vehicle and drive to a nearby parking lot. Officers reportedly found Baby covered in blood and suffering from facial injuries when she was taken into custody.

Families Left Searching for Answers

The deaths have devastated the families of both women, who were reportedly close friends.

Friends of Hari created an online fundraiser for her husband, Vijesh Vijayan, to help with funeral expenses, living costs and the family’s recovery following her death.

Organizers described Vijayan as facing “shock, grief, and overwhelming pain” after his wife was killed.

By Friday, the fundraiser had reportedly collected more than $94,000 from nearly 950 donors, reflecting the support surrounding Hari’s family following the tragedy.

For prosecutors, the circumstances of the two killings point toward deliberate acts rather than accidental or spontaneous violence.

Prosecutors Call Attacks Premeditated

McKeown said prosecutors believe the attacks were intentional and planned.

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

Despite the charges, authorities have not publicly explained what may have motivated the alleged attacks or why Baby would have targeted the two women.

“The biggest heartbreak of this case is these families were best friends and want answers as to why someone could do this to their friend,” McKeown said.

She added that investigators hope their continued work will eventually provide those answers.

Defendant Held Without Bail

Baby is currently being held without bail and faces life in prison if convicted of the two first-degree murder charges. Her case remains ongoing, and she is scheduled to return to court on November 17 at 9 a.m., when she is expected to enter a plea.

What do you think investigators may uncover as they continue looking into the two killings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.