Arizona 18-Year-Old Murdered, Suspect Arrested in Mississippi

Court documents reveal disturbing details about the killing of Yessenia Norman.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 10:31pm

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The body of an 18-year-old woman, Yessenia Norman, was found in a Tolleson, Arizona apartment with over 20 stab wounds and her face removed. Police arrested Randal Azael Barilio Santillan, the estranged husband of the apartment's leaseholder, in Mississippi and he will be extradited to Arizona to face a first-degree murder charge.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic loss of a young life and the disturbing nature of the crime, raising concerns about domestic violence, mental health, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals in the community.

The details

Police were called to the apartment complex for a welfare check after reports of a foul smell and flies. They found the victim's body covered in clothing and blankets, with maggots covering the floor. The autopsy revealed over 20 stab wounds below the head and above the knees, and the victim's face had been removed with an "edged instrument." Police traced the victim's identity to Yessenia Norman, who was reported missing from Phoenix. Cell phone data and license plate readers linked the suspect, Randal Azael Barilio Santillan, to the crime scene and his travels across several states after the murder.

  • On Jan. 16, neighbors reported hearing a physical altercation and a loud thud from the apartment, followed by silence.
  • On Jan. 28, property management called police to the apartment due to the foul smell and flies.
  • On Feb. 6, police apprehended the suspect, Randal Azael Barilio Santillan, in Mississippi.

The players

Yessenia Norman

An 18-year-old woman who was found murdered in a Tolleson, Arizona apartment.

Randal Azael Barilio Santillan

The estranged husband of the apartment's leaseholder, who has been arrested and will be extradited to Arizona to face a first-degree murder charge.

Alexa Velazquez Nazario

The wife of Randal Azael Barilio Santillan, who recently split up with him due to his "controlling behavior."

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tragic loss of a young life and the disturbing nature of the crime, raising concerns about domestic violence, mental health, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals in the community.