17-Year-Old Charged with Murder for Allegedly Aiding in Mosque Shooting Livestream

<p>A 17-year-old girl from North Carolina has been indicted on murder charges for allegedly aiding and abetting in the recording and distribution of a livestream of a mosque shooting in San Diego. The indictment includes three counts of murder and one count of conspiracy, as stated by Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill.</p><p>The teenager, identified as Sarah L. Santiago, was reportedly not present during the May 18 attack but is accused of recording the livestream and sharing the attackers’ manifesto. O’Neill stated, "She disseminated that information. And she published their manifesto."</p><p>Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, were identified as the gunmen who entered the Islamic Center of San Diego with the intent to kill. They killed three individuals—Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad, and Mansour Kaziha—who attempted to intervene and prevent further violence. The attackers subsequently died by suicide in a nearby vehicle.</p><p>Authorities indicated that the mosque was one target in a larger attack plan that also included a local Jewish temple and a predominantly African-American high school. O’Neill remarked, "Their plan that day was to commit mass murders not only at the mosque, but to follow up at a local Jewish temple. And finally, at a predominantly African-American high school there in town."</p><p>The indictment claims that Santiago had agreed prior to the attack to record and distribute the livestream and publish the manifesto. She is also accused of purchasing a patch with a white-supremacist symbol for one of the attackers to wear during the shooting.</p><p>O’Neill noted that Santiago could face additional charges in North Carolina despite her absence from California during the attack, stating, "She didn't have to be in California, she's in our jurisdiction. And today, a grand jury indicted her and held her responsible for her actions leading up to that disastrous day in May." North Carolina law permits a 17-year-old accused of such actions to be treated as an adult.</p><p>The investigation has involved over 100 interviews, more than 30 search warrants, and a review of over 4 million messages. FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis emphasized the importance of reporting such actions, stating, "Our investigation shows that the individual had multiple opportunities to come forward to law enforcement and alert us of these deliberate actions, and the failure to do so must have consequences."</p>