WINSTON‑SALEM, N.C. — In a courtroom hearing on Monday, defense attorney Alan Doorasamy asked a Forsyth County judge to compel prosecutors to provide more detailed information about the alleged actions of his client, 17‑year‑old Sarah Santiago. Santiago faces adult‑level charges of three counts of murder by aiding and abetting and one count of conspiracy for her purported involvement with two California teens who carried out a deadly attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18.
Charges and Allegations
According to the North Carolina District Attorney’s Office, Santiago agreed in advance to record and distribute a livestream of the shooting and to disseminate the shooters’ white‑supremacist writings. Prosecutors also allege she purchased a patch bearing a white‑supremacist symbol and sent it to one of the gunmen for use during the attack.
Defense Demands Transparency
Doorasamy filed a formal request for a “bill of particulars” on Friday, seeking clarification on how and when Santiago allegedly communicated with the shooters and the specifics of any agreement to record and share the livestream. The attorney emphasized that his client, a minor, deserves to understand the precise basis of the accusations against her.
“She needs to know why she was arrested,” Doorasamy told reporters outside the courthouse. “She’s a child. Of course she’s very scared and she’s worried, but she’s done nothing wrong.”
Prosecutorial Response
As of the hearing, the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office had not responded to the request for additional details. The office did not return a call for comment on Monday.
Legal Context
Under North Carolina law, aiding‑and‑abetting charges carry the same penalties as if the defendant had personally committed the crime, should a conviction occur. Santiago remains detained without bail pending further proceedings.
Background on the San Diego Attack
On May 18, the two California teens, identified as 17‑year‑old Cain Clark and 18‑year‑old Caleb Vazquez, entered the Islamic Center of San Diego, opened fire, and killed three individuals before taking their own lives. A security guard, Amin Abdullah, engaged the shooters, helping to protect roughly 140 children who were nearby. The attackers also left behind extensive writings that praised the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooter and outlined plans for additional attacks on a Jewish temple and Black students at a high school.
Authorities noted that Vazquez was on the autism spectrum and had grown resentful of aspects of his identity, a factor the family believes, combined with exposure to hateful online rhetoric, contributed to his radicalization.
Community Concerns
Local leaders in Forsyth County have expressed concern for Santiago’s welfare, emphasizing the importance of due process for a minor facing such serious charges. The request for a bill of particulars reflects a broader commitment to transparency and fairness in the criminal justice system.
Next Steps
The judge scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to consider Doorasamy’s motion. The outcome will determine whether prosecutors must provide the requested details, allowing the defense to more fully prepare its case.
Both the defense and the prosecution have indicated that the upcoming hearing will be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of this high‑profile case.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
