SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Sarah Lindsey Santiago, 17, a Winston-Salem, North Carolina, student, has been arrested and indicted in connection with the May 2026 mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, according to authorities.
Santiago is facing three counts of first-degree murder and one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Prosecutors allege that she played a role in the attack by helping record and livestream the shooting and assisting with the distribution of material associated with the suspected attackers.
The Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office alleges that Santiago helped plan the livestreaming of the attack, publicly distribute the recording and release a manifesto connected to the shooting. Prosecutors contend that her alleged involvement extended beyond simply documenting the incident.
The shooting occurred on May 18, 2026, when two teenage gunmen, identified by authorities as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, entered the Islamic Center of San Diego and opened fire. Three people were killed, including security guard Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad.
Authorities said Abdullah exchanged gunfire with the attackers and initiated a lockdown, helping protect approximately 140 children who were inside the facility at the time. The two suspected shooters later fled the Islamic center and were found dead in a nearby vehicle from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, authorities said.
Investigators allege that Santiago helped facilitate the dissemination of footage and writings connected to the suspected attackers. According to prosecutors, GoPro cameras attached to helmets worn by the suspected gunmen were used to record the footage. Authorities are also investigating allegations that the suspects planned additional attacks targeting a Jewish temple and a predominantly African American high school.
Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill said Santiago was arrested the previous week and subsequently indicted by a grand jury, shortly before she was scheduled to return to school. O’Neill said North Carolina law allows a person who aids or abets another person in committing a crime to potentially be held responsible for that crime, even when the person did not personally carry out every act involved.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office said investigators continue to examine the suspects’ activities, communications, weapons and any assistance they may have received before or after the attack. Authorities are also working to identify anyone else who may have potential criminal liability in connection with the killings. The charges against Santiago are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
