AURORA, MO – Taylor Santiago, 31, of Aurora, Missouri, a mother serving a life sentence for killing one of the fathers of her children, now faces extradition to Arkansas after allegedly fatally shooting her estranged lover’s girlfriend and attempting to kill the father in a multi-state shooting spree.
Multi-State Rampage Across Missouri and Arkansas
Santiago previously pleaded guilty in April to first-degree murder, robbery, unlawful use of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the death of her ex-husband, Troy Huffman, at her Missouri residence.
Authorities say the violence did not end there. On January 23, Santiago allegedly killed Sophia Williams in Arkansas and attempted to shoot Nathan Green, the surviving father of her child. The attack occurred in front of her child, leading to additional child endangerment charges.
Prosecutors report that Santiago killed Huffman, then drove approximately 55 miles in his Mercedes to Carroll County, Arkansas, to target Green and Williams. Williams died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Green survived critically injured.
Charges and Extradition
Santiago is currently locked up at the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri, and an extradition hearing related to Williams’ death is scheduled for October 30. Arkansas prosecutors have filed a complaint citing capital murder in the first degree, attempted capital murder, aggravated residential burglary, first-degree battery, and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Authorities say Santiago confessed to shooting the fathers of her children and Williams. She reportedly called 911 from the Aurora Police and Fire Facility at around 2 a.m., turned herself in, and led officers to Huffman’s body in her apartment.
Motive and Police Statements
Aurora Police Chief Wes Coatney said investigators believe the motive is related to custody disputes between Santiago and the two fathers. Coatney stated:
“I don’t know the answer as to why she returned to Missouri to turn herself in. I’m glad she did, though. I wish she would have come to us before all of this happened so we could’ve helped her.”
During a police interview, Santiago reportedly told detectives she invited Huffman over to see their son, warned her child to cover their ears, and carried a .38 revolver hidden behind her back before shooting him.
Child Endangerment and Witness Accounts
Santiago’s actions have raised serious concerns about child endangerment, as her child was present during the Arkansas shooting but remained unharmed. Neighbors reported hearing commotion during the Missouri incident.
“My daughter was home,” said neighbor Karla Rodgers. “She did hear some banging on the bathroom walls.”
Rodgers also noted that Santiago had seemed normal at first but suggested drug involvement may have contributed: “At first, she was very nice. I believe she had gotten into drugs.”
Santiago’s Own Admissions
Santiago reportedly described herself as a “disgusting, evil murderer” to police and expressed a belief that death or jail forever were appropriate punishments for her actions.
Call to Action
What do you think about this shocking multi-state shooting and the role of custody disputes in violent crimes? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on preventing family-related violence and protecting children.
