Jury Delivers Justice: Suspect Found Guilty in Casa Grande Double Teen Murder Case

PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. — A jury in Pinal County has convicted Terrance Santistevan for the murders of two teenage girls, Danielle Murrieta and Leslie Cota, which occurred three years prior. The guilty verdict was rendered on April 24, coinciding with the anniversary of the tragic incident at the Sonoran Apartments in Casa Grande.

On that fateful night in 2022, Casa Grande police were called to a chaotic scene. Officers found individuals attempting to assist the victims, who had suffered gunshot wounds in a vehicle. Despite efforts, one victim died at the scene, while the other succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter in a hospital.

Prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Santistevan opened fire on the two girls as they drove to McDonald’s. Testimonies revealed that he discharged over two dozen rounds from a modified Glock handgun, designed to mimic a fully automatic weapon.

Following the shooting, Santistevan fled Arizona but was later apprehended in Texas. He faced trial, resulting in his conviction on two counts of first-degree murder. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16, as confirmed by the Pinal County Attorney’s Office.