Missouri Mom Serving Life Sentence Now Faces Capital Murder Charge in Arkansas Shooting Spree

AURORA, MISSOURI – A 31-year-old Missouri mother serving a life sentence for killing one of her children’s fathers is now facing capital murder charges in Arkansas, accused of shooting another ex and his girlfriend during a violent, multistate rampage.

From Missouri to Arkansas: A Deadly Spree

Authorities say Taylor Santiago shot and killed her ex-husband, Troy Huffman, in January 2025 at her home in Aurora, Missouri, before stealing his Mercedes and driving more than 50 miles south to Carroll County, Arkansas.

Once there, prosecutors allege, she shot her estranged boyfriend, Nathan Green, and his girlfriend, Sophia Williams, in front of the child she shared with Green. Williams died from a gunshot wound to the head, while Green survived the attack but remains permanently injured.

Officials believe both shootings were fueled by ongoing custody disputes involving her two children.

Capital Murder Charges Filed in Arkansas

According to Arkansas court filings, Santiago now faces capital murder, attempted capital murder, aggravated residential burglary, first-degree battery, and child endangerment charges.

An extradition hearing is scheduled for October 30, with prosecutors arguing that Santiago “fled from justice” in Arkansas after committing the killings.

Santiago is currently incarcerated at the Chillicothe Correctional Center in Missouri, where she is serving a life sentence without parole after pleading guilty in April to first-degree murder, robbery, and weapons charges related to Huffman’s death.

“Take Care of the Bad Guys”

During questioning, Santiago allegedly admitted to both shootings and detailed her mindset before killing Huffman.

According to investigators, she told her child to “cover their ears” before pulling out a .38 revolver and shooting Huffman in another room.

Afterward, she drove to Arkansas and attacked Green and Williams at their trailer home. Police say Santiago then drove back to Missouri and called 911 from the Aurora Police Department parking lot, where she turned herself in.

Officials Cite Custody Disputes and Mental Decline

Aurora Police Chief Wes Coatney told local media that the violence appeared tied to child custody conflicts between Santiago and both victims.

“I don’t know why she came back here to turn herself in,” he said. “I’m just glad she did. I wish she’d come to us before all of this so we could’ve helped her.”

Neighbors described Santiago as once “very nice” but noted a sharp change in behavior in recent months, suggesting possible drug use and emotional instability.

Santiago reportedly told detectives she viewed herself as a “disgusting, evil murderer” and accepted that “death or jail forever” were the only fitting punishments.

For updates on this ongoing case and major court proceedings across the Midwest, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.