Introduction: A Young Refugee's New Beginning

In late March 2022, 17-year-old Santos Yat-Tojin arrived in Fredericksburg, Virginia, seeking refuge from her native Guatemala. Placed with a sponsor family on March 25, 2022, Santos was on the cusp of a new chapter in her life, hoping to find safety and opportunity in the United States. However, within days, her fresh start took a tragic turn. 

The Day of Disappearance: March 30, 2022

On March 30, 2022, Santos was last seen in the 1000 block of River Walk Street in Fredericksburg. Witnesses reported that a vehicle arrived early that morning, and it is believed that Santos willingly entered the car, leaving behind her new home and sponsor family. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing pink sneakers, dark jeans, a black puffy jacket, and carrying a dark blue backpack along with a black cross-body purse. ...Read More