A chilling scene unfolded in an Indiana apartment where 22-year-old Regulus Baka was arrested and charged with murder following the brutal death of Shanaiya McDonald.
What Happened?
On December 30, around 5:43 a.m., McDonald’s roommate discovered her lifeless body behind a bedroom door in their south Indianapolis apartment and called the police... Continue reading here ▶
Emergency responders confirmed she had suffered severe head trauma and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police found a blood-soaked towel outside on the porch and blood splattered across the apartment’s walls.
Signs of a struggle were evident, with a plastic bag covered in blood found near McDonald’s body. Clear plastic tape had been placed on her head.
Key Evidence
Police pieced together the case through witness statements and surveillance footage:
- A neighbor reported hearing a woman scream for help around 4 a.m.
- Maintenance workers discovered McDonald’s phone, laptop, and blood-stained tape in a nearby dumpster.
- Surveillance footage showed a man walking from the apartment, discarding items, and leaving in a vehicle.
Authorities traced the vehicle, a black Ford Fusion, to a different apartment complex. When police arrived at the vehicle owner’s residence, they learned Baka had been staying at his parents’ house nearby.
Arrest of Regulus Baka
When police approached Baka’s parents’ house, several people exited, but Baka initially refused to leave. After a SWAT team intervened, he finally came out, telling police he was “hurt from last night.”
During questioning, Baka admitted to the murder, providing chilling details of what led to McDonald’s death.
What Baka Confessed
Baka described a tumultuous relationship with McDonald, claiming she often cheated on him and treated him poorly. On the night of the incident, he said McDonald slapped him and threatened to call someone to harm him.
The confrontation escalated:
- Baka claimed he punched McDonald in response to her slaps.
- He said McDonald grabbed a knife, prompting him to punch her repeatedly.
- In the heat of the moment, Baka admitted to hitting her in the head with a space heater and a kitchen pan multiple times.
- To ensure she stopped breathing, he wrapped tape around her nose and stabbed her.
After the murder, Baka said he disposed of evidence, including McDonald’s phone, laptop, and the tape, in a dumpster.
What’s Next?
Regulus Baka is being held in the Marion County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on January 3.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and highlights the ongoing need for awareness and prevention of domestic abuse.
