Aurora, MO & Eureka Springs, AR – A Missouri woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly carrying out a multi-state murder spree that left two people dead and one critically injured. Authorities say Taylor Santiago, 31, of Aurora, Missouri, turned herself in to police on Wednesday following a violent rampage that spanned Missouri and Arkansas. Investigators believe Santiago was driven by a bitter custody dispute and a vendetta against former lovers.

Timeline of the Deadly Spree

According to law enforcement reports, Santiago began her crime spree in Aurora, Missouri, where she allegedly murdered her ex-husband Troy Huffman, 36, at his residence in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots at approximately 2:15 AM, and police discovered Huffman’s body with multiple gunshot wounds. Neighbors told investigators that they had heard the couple arguing several times in the past, and some suspected that a heated custody battle over their six-year-old daughter was at the center of the tension.

After allegedly killing Huffman, Santiago reportedly fled the scene and drove nearly two hours south to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where she opened fire again. Police say Santiago’s second target was Nathan Green, 34, the father of her child, who was in a new relationship with Sophia Williams, 29, a mother-of-five.

Williams had reportedly just won full custody of Green’s child with Santiago, and she was said to have been celebrating the legal victory with her family earlier in the day. Officials believe this custody decision may have triggered Santiago’s deadly actions.

At around 6:45 AM, police were called to Green’s home after neighbors reported hearing gunshots. When officers arrived, they found Sophia Williams dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds. Green, who was also shot, was critically wounded but managed to survive and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition.

Arrest and Charges

Following the second shooting, Santiago drove back to Aurora, Missouri, where she turned herself in to police at approximately 9:30 AM. She was taken into custody without incident and later charged with the following offenses:

• First-degree murder (two counts) – for the killings of Troy Huffman and Sophia Williams.
• Attempted first-degree murder – for the shooting of Nathan Green.
• Robbery – allegedly stealing a vehicle in Missouri to flee to Arkansas.
• Unlawful use of a weapon – for firing a firearm in the presence of multiple witnesses.
• Endangering the welfare of a child – as police believe the shootings were witnessed by young children at both crime scenes.

Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues.

Victims and Their Stories

Troy Huffman, a well-respected construction worker and father, had reportedly been trying to co-parent peacefully with Santiago. His friends described him as a loving father who was devoted to his daughter.

Sophia Williams, who worked as a nurse, was the mother of five children. Family members say she was excited to have gained full custody of Green’s child with Santiago. “She was so happy that day,” said her sister, Rebecca Carter. “She was calling everyone to tell them that justice had been served and that she could finally raise her stepdaughter in a safe, loving home. Just hours later, she was gone.”

Motive: A Custody Dispute Turned Deadly?

Law enforcement sources believe that the root of the attack may have been a longstanding custody battle between Santiago and Green. Court records show that Santiago had lost primary custody of her child just days before the rampage, and legal filings indicate a history of contentious exchanges between her and her former partners.

“Based on the evidence we’ve gathered, we believe that custody issues played a significant role in motivating these crimes,” said Aurora Police Chief Daniel Harris at a press conference on Thursday.

Eyewitness Accounts and Survivor Testimony

Neighbors in Eureka Springs recalled hearing “ear-piercing screams” just before the gunfire. One witness, Jeremy Lawson, who lives across the street from Green, described the chaos:

“I woke up to loud shouting. It sounded like someone was begging, then suddenly—bang, bang, bang. I ran outside, and there she was—just standing there with a gun in her hand. Then she jumped in her car and took off.”

Surviving victim Nathan Green has since regained consciousness in the hospital and provided his first statement to police. Sources say Green is ‘deeply traumatized’ by the incident but has begun cooperating with the investigation.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Santiago is currently being held without bond at the Lawrence County Jail in Missouri. She made her first court appearance on Friday, where prosecutors formally charged her with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. The judge denied bail due to the severity of the charges and the flight risk concerns.

If convicted, Santiago faces life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, as Arkansas and Missouri both allow for capital punishment in cases of multiple homicides.

Community Reaction and Impact

The shocking nature of the crime has sent shockwaves through both communities. A vigil for the victims was held in Eureka Springs, where hundreds of residents gathered to mourn Sophia Williams and pray for Nathan Green’s recovery.

In Aurora, friends and family of Troy Huffman have also organized a memorial service to honor his life. His cousin, Michael Huffman, said:

“Troy was a hard-working guy. He just wanted to take care of his kid and move on with his life. We never thought something like this would happen.”

Investigation Continues

Authorities say the case remains under active investigation, and they are looking into Santiago’s digital footprint, past relationships, and any additional potential motives. Police are also investigating whether Santiago may have had help planning or carrying out the crimes.

The district attorney handling the case, Amanda Patterson, stated:

“We will pursue justice for the victims and their families. This was a deliberate, calculated act of violence, and we will ensure that Santiago is held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Final Thoughts

As the community grapples with the devastating loss, questions remain about how the system failed to prevent Santiago’s deadly actions. Friends of both victims are calling for tougher laws on domestic violence, restraining orders, and mental health interventions to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

With Santiago’s trial expected to begin later this year, the families of Troy Huffman and Sophia Williams are left searching for answers—and justice—for the loved ones they lost too soon.