US Teen Charged as Adult for Aiding San Diego Mosque Shooters

A 17‑year‑old resident, Sarah Santiago, will be charged as an adult, the office of Prosecutor James O’Neill announced in a press release issued Tuesday. The decision follows a formal review under state statutes that permit juveniles to be transferred to adult court when the alleged offense meets specific criteria, including the severity of the conduct and the defendant’s prior record.

Prosecutor O’Neill’s office indicated that the adult filing will allow the case to proceed in the circuit court, where Santiago will face the same penalties applicable to adult defendants. The move underscores the district’s commitment to applying existing legal frameworks to serious juvenile offenses while preserving the procedural safeguards afforded to minors.