Last night, the Los Angeles Times published an article confirming the identity of a Claremont mother suspected to have killed herself and her infant daughter as Anabel Reyes-Becerra, the Administrative Coordinator for Academic Resources at Scripps College. According to the article, “[a] preliminary investigation suggested Reyes-Becerra killed her daughter with the knife, then turned the knife on herself.”
“The officers first discovered the bodies of Reyes-Becerra and her baby in their apartment on the 1400 block of Morton Circle on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The officers were conducting a wellness check after the mother and child had not been seen or heard for a few days,” CBS Los Angeles reports.
According to a statement by the Claremont Police Department, “Officers arrived at the apartment and attempted contact by knocking on the front door, but there was no answer. Based on the circumstances, officers entered the apartment to check on the occupant’s welfare.” The police also confirmed that “[t]he weapon used during the incident was a knife and it was recovered at the scene.”
On Wednesday, Scripps College Interim President Amy Marcus-Newhall sent an email informing students “of the death of Anabel Reyes, Administrative Coordinator for Academic Resources and Services in the Scripps College Dean of Students Office. Anabel was a dedicated advocate for students and a cherished colleague who will be greatly missed.”
The email urged students “to comfort and care for one another, and to utilize the community resources available to support the well-being of students, faculty, and staff.” Scripps also provided a list of support services for students, faculty, and staff. The email did not inform the student body of how Reyes-Becerra died.
Later that day, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Adriana di Bartolo-Beckman sent another email informing students that Scripps is “in contact with Anabel’s family and expressed condolences on behalf of the Scripps community. We will continue to be in contact with them to offer our support.”
According to the second email, “Anabel was a well-known and beloved member of our community, who worked to proctor exams, collaborate alongside tutor coordinators, and support the Dean of Students office and Student Affairs in ways both big and small. She will be greatly missed.”
Di Bartolo-Beckman encouraged students “to reach out for support and care” and reminded them that “[d]uring this time many of us in Student Affairs are navigating this tremendous loss as well, and I ask for your patience and grace during this difficult time.” No mention was made as to the manner of Reyes-Becerra’s death.