Man arrested after killing 18-year-old woman he met on social media dating site, police say

TOLLESON, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — A man accused of killing an Arizona woman whom he met online was arrested more than 1,000 miles away.

Authorities said their investigation began Jan. 28 when police officers found 18-year-old Yessenia Gabriella Norman stabbed to death in an apartment in Tolleson.

The apartment was leased to 27-year-old Randal Basilio Santillan. Detectives said Norman met Santillan through a social media dating site.

On Jan. 15, Norman left her Phoenix apartment to meet Santillan but did not return, officers said. Four days later, her roommate reported her missing to police.

Authorities said Santillan left Arizona shortly after the stabbing and was later found in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was arrested around 7 a.m. Friday.

Santillan is being held at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center as he awaits extradition back to Arizona.

Police said Santillan is facing charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping.