August 30, 2015
Freddy Santiago, Sr. /Facebook
Cristian Santiago, 17, of West Chester, was killed August 20 in East Bradford Township. Five defendants are charged in his death.
Friends and co-workers of 17-year-old Cristian Santiago, who was fatally shot in East Bradford Township August 20 during a set-up drug deal, recalled him as a popular, caring and magnetic kid.
Santiago's body was spotted by a motorist on the 700 block of East Hillsdale Road, dumped by four male defendants were arrested and charged with conspiracy, murder, robbery, and related offenses. A fifth, female defendent was later arrested and charged for her alleged involvement in the killing.
Prosecutors say that defendent Onrey Winfield, an acquaintance of Santiago's, arranged a sham drug deal with co-defendant Gerald Meyers, knowing that Meyers and two other defendants, Coatesville natives Darrell Woodward and Byron Stevens, intended to rob him. The drug deal involved just a small amount of marijuana, but resulted in Santiago's death.
“My heart goes out to his family,” said Leah Mazyck, Santiago's boss at a local West Cheaster eatery, in an interview with The Daily Local. "Cristian was a smooth guy, he made all the girls smile. Everyone loved him. I want all the kids in the community to learn something from this," Mazcyk continued. "If no one learns a lesson, his death will be in vain."
Last Thursday, a burial and wake were held for Santiago and a memorial set up at the location on Hillsdale Road where his body was discovered.
"I know he has my back as a guardian angel," friend and co-worker Saivon Fountain told The Daily Local. “Cristian was like a brother to me," he added, recalling rides home and the time spent playing basketball together. “We were always there for each other, his laugh is contagious and I always hear it in my mind all the time."
The workplace, which noted Santiago's extensive belt collection and tendency to spill drinks, said they were sick when they heard he had been killed. They said he was looking forward to starting his senior year of high school.
“I’ve known his dad for a long time," Mazcyk reflected. "His parents know he’s going to heaven. I just pray for the mom. Parents should never bury their children. He’s an angel.”
