Man Arrested for Murder of 18-Year-Old Woman in Tolleson

Randal Basilio Santillan charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping after victim's body found in his apartment

Feb. 6, 2026 at 5:47pm

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A 27-year-old man named Randal Basilio Santillan has been arrested in connection with the murder of an 18-year-old woman named Yessenia Norman, whose body was found with stab wounds inside Santillan's apartment in Tolleson, Arizona. Detectives learned that Norman had met Santillan through a social media dating site and went to meet him on January 15, but never returned home, leading to a missing persons investigation. Santillan had fled the state shortly after the alleged crime, but was located and arrested in Mississippi and will be extradited to Arizona to face charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the dangers that can arise from online dating, as well as the need for improved safety measures and education around personal security when meeting strangers. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenders from committing violent acts.

The details

According to police, Yessenia Norman was reported missing to the Phoenix Police Department on January 19 after she stopped responding to calls and texts from her mother, Jessica Calderon, and stopped posting on social media. Norman's body was later found with stab wounds inside an apartment in Tolleson that was leased to Randal Basilio Santillan. Detectives determined that Norman had met Santillan through a social media dating site and went to meet him on January 15, but never returned home. Santillan then fled the state, but was located and arrested in Mississippi on Friday morning.

  • Yessenia Norman was reported missing to Phoenix police on January 19.
  • Norman's body was found on January 22 inside Santillan's apartment in Tolleson.
  • Santillan was arrested on February 4 in Mississippi.

The players

Yessenia Norman

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

Randal Basilio Santillan

A 27-year-old man who has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with Norman's death.

Jessica Calderon

The mother of Yessenia Norman, who reported her daughter missing when she stopped responding to calls and texts.

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What’s next

Santillan will be extradited from Mississippi to Arizona to face the charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of personal safety when meeting strangers through online dating platforms, and the need for improved education and resources to help protect vulnerable individuals from becoming victims of violent crimes.