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NewsTimes of San DiegoAugust 31, 2026San Diego

Forsyth County grand jury indicts 17-year-old for role in Islamic Center of San Diego shooting

A 17-year-old North Carolina resident has been indicted on three counts of murder and one count of felony conspiracy for allegedly aiding two shooters in the May 18 attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego. Prosecutors allege the teen livestreamed the act, publicized the shooters' manifesto, and provided a neo-Nazi symbol worn by one of the gunmen.

crimeterrorismlaw enforcementhate crimesjudicial proceedings
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

The indictment establishes that individuals who provide remote support for violent attacks can be held criminally liable for murder, regardless of their physical distance from the crime scene.

Key Facts

  • Sarah Lindsay Santiago is charged with three counts of murder and one count of felony conspiracy.
  • The charges stem from the May 18 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that killed Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad.
  • Santiago is alleged to have livestreamed the attack, publicized a manifesto, and mailed a 'Black Sun' neo-Nazi patch to shooter Caleb Vazquez.
  • Santiago will be tried as an adult due to the nature of the terrorism-related charges.
  • Santiago is currently being held without bail.
  • The investigation has involved over 100 interviews, 30 search warrants, and the review of 4 million messages.
  • The shooters, Caleb Vazquez and Cain Clark, died by suicide following the attack.
  • Santiago's next court hearing is scheduled for September 21.
  • The investigation remains active and involves the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, San Diego Police, and the Winston-Salem Police Department.

Who's Mentioned

personCain Clark“Deceased shooter”personJim O'Neill“Forsyth County District Attorney”personSarah Lindsay Santiago“17-year-old defendant charged with murder and conspiracy”personMark Remily“FBI Special Agent in Charge, San Diego”personMansour Kaziha“Victim of the shooting”other30“Number of search warrants executed”other100“Number of interviews conducted by law enforcement”personCaleb Vazquez“Deceased shooter”other4 million“Number of messages reviewed by investigators”personReid Davis“FBI Special Agent in Charge”personNadir Awad“Victim of the shooting”personScott Wahl“San Diego Police Chief”personAmin Abdullah“Victim of the shooting”locationIslamic Center of San Diego“Site of the May 18 shooting”