Tolleson, Arizona – February 19, 2026 | By STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Who is Randal Santillan and what charges does he face in Arizona?
Randal Santillan, 27, is charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of Yessenia Norman. He was extradited to Arizona on February 19, 2026.
When and where was Yessenia Norman found?
Yessenia Norman, 18, was found deceased on January 28, 2026, inside an apartment in Tolleson, Arizona, leased to Randal Santillan.
Where was Randal Santillan arrested?
Randal Santillan was apprehended on February 6, 2026, in Biloxi, Mississippi, following a multi-state search by law enforcement.
When did Yessenia Norman go missing?
Yessenia Norman was reported missing on January 19, 2026. She had reportedly left a transitional facility on January 15, 2026.
Randal Santillan, 27, has been extradited to Arizona and booked into Maricopa County jail on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the death of 18-year-old Yessenia Norman. Norman’s body was discovered in a Tolleson apartment. Santillan was arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state search.
Randal Santillan Extradited to Arizona in Yessenia Norman Murder Case
Randal Santillan, 27, was extradited to Arizona and booked into Maricopa County jail on February 19, 2026, facing charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the death of 18-year-old Yessenia Norman. Norman’s body was discovered in a Tolleson apartment with 27 stab wounds.
Details of the Accusation and Arrest
Santillan’s extradition followed his arrest on February 6, 2026, in Biloxi, Mississippi. Yessenia Norman was reported missing on January 19, 2026, after her mother, Jessica Calderon, was unable to reach her. Norman had reportedly left a transitional facility on January 15, 2026, to meet an individual she had connected with through a dating application.
Her body was found on January 28, 2026, inside an apartment in Tolleson, which was leased to Santillan. Investigators found her body mutilated and covered with blankets and towels. Following the discovery, law enforcement utilized license plate readers to track Santillan’s vehicle, which was observed traveling through New Mexico, Texas, Illinois, and Missouri before reaching Mississippi.
Background Context of the Case
Norman resided at a transitional facility under contract with the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Court records indicate that Santillan’s ex-wife had moved out of the Tolleson apartment in December 2025, reportedly due to his controlling behavior. Cell phone data obtained by police indicated that both Norman’s and Santillan’s devices were in the vicinity of Norman’s residence on the night she disappeared. The investigation included a multi-state search before Santillan was apprehended.
Key Details of the Yessenia Norman Murder Case
| Victim | Yessenia Norman, 18 |
| Suspect | Randal Santillan, 27 |
| Charges | First-degree murder, kidnapping |
| Body Discovery Date | January 28, 2026 |
| Suspect Arrest Date | February 6, 2026 |
| Suspect Extradition Date | February 19, 2026 |
| Location of Crime | Tolleson apartment, Arizona |
| Location of Arrest | Biloxi, Mississippi |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
