News Source: Pinal County Attorney’s Office
Florence, AZ — Pinal County Attorney, Brad Miller, announced yesterday, a Pinal County jury returned a guilty verdict against Terrance Santistevan, 21, for the murder of Leslie Cota, age 18 and Danielle Murrieta, age 17. Santistevan was found guilty on two counts of First Degree Murder, both class 1 Felonies. The jury returned the verdict on the three year anniversary of the murder of these innocent victims. The case was prosecuted by Pinal County Attorneys Shawn Jensvold and Lauren Deakin and tried before the Honorable Judge Washburn in Pinal County Superior Court.
The charges stem from the April 24, 2022, brutal killings of the teen females which occurred in Casa Grande and were investigated by the Casa Grande Police Department. Both victims were found at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Leslie Cota, was found in the back seat of the vehicle and pronounced deceased on scene. Murrieta was found on the ground behind the vehicle, and later died at the hospital. The Defendant, and another individual named Dominic Leos, were both involved in a human smuggling operation. When the Defendant wasn’t paid the money he believed he was owed, he sought revenge against Leos. But instead of murdering Leos, he murdered Leslie and Danielle by firing off more than two dozen 9mm rounds using a Glock handgun modified with a switch to make it fire as a fully automatic weapon. The Defendant shot and killed Leslie and Danielle as they were attempting to drive to McDonald’s for dinner. We’d like to thank Deputy County Attorneys, Shawn Jensvold and Lauren Deakin, as well as the Casa Grande Police Department and the Pinal County Attorney Investigators who worked hard on this six week trial which ultimately brought justice to the families involved. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16 at 8:30am. The Defendant is facing life in prison.
“Justice has been served in our community,” said Brad Miller, Pinal County Attorney. “While nothing can undo the loss of the two young lives tragically taken, yesterday’s verdict ensures that the person responsible will be held accountable. I am grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence, and I hope this outcome brings some measure of closure to the families and loved ones of these young women. Human smuggling is modern day slavery that needs to be eradicated from our Country. My office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all those involved in human smuggling will be held accountable.”
