FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – During sentencing on Wednesday for Sgt. 1st Class Joseph A. Santiago – convicted of murdering his pregnant wife – the court heard of his childhood, marred by verbal, mental and physical abuse.
Santiago was convicted by a military jury in the death of Meghan Santiago. On Sept. 27, 2021, Meghan Santiago sustained blunt force injuries and later died in the hospital, according to her autopsy report. An emergency C-section and brain surgery were performed in an attempt to save her and her unborn child. The baby girl survived being born eight weeks early, but Meghan died from her injuries.
Wednesday night, Judge Col. Travis Rogers imposed a sentence of life in confinement with the possibility of parole, plus six months for injuring the child, as well as a demotion to the rank of E-1. He has been dishonorably discharged, according to Fort Campbell officials.
Growing up in abuse
The defense called fellow soldiers to testify to Joe Santiago’s resilience and competence as a soldier.
According to testimony, he would regularly volunteer to go “outside the wire” while on deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. Santiago was knowledgeable and always offered a listening ear to soldiers who were struggling on deployment, the soldiers said.
The defense also called Stacy Carter, Joe Santiago’s mother. She detailed life with Joe’s father, describing verbal, mental and physical abuse that young Joe had a front-row seat to watch.
As her son grew, Carter said, she saw the anger his father had in her son, and that he became easily triggered growing up in a house with abuse.
“I just stayed and hoped it would get better,” Carter testified, sobbing. “I failed him. I should’ve packed our bags and run away with my son. But I didn’t because I didn’t know how. I failed you, and I’m sorry. He has good in him, he has the biggest heart.”
Varcak family’s anguish
Kristen and Emily Varcak, cousins of Meghan, recounted the days they spent growing up with Meghan playing softball and learning to swim.
“She babysat us when we were younger. She was like an older sister to us,” Emily told the judge. When asked what the most memorable thing about Meghan was, Emily said, “Her laugh. She was able to find light in anything.”
On Sept. 28, 2021, Kristen Varcak received the phone call detailing Meghan’s condition. “My heart fell deep inside my stomach,” Kristen said through tears.
She and Emily had to break the news to Meghan’s mother, Andrea Varcak. They went to the nursing home where Andrea was staying, and when they walked in, Andrea brightened and told them, “Meghan will be here in two weeks!” They had to tell her that Meghan wouldn’t be coming. Kristen told the court she could still recall the lost look and blank stare on Andrea’s face.
Kristen said that Andrea seems as though she’s lost her purpose in life now that her daughter is gone. Since Meghan’s death, Kristen and Emily have assumed responsibility and care for Andrea.
Santiago addresses Meghan’s family
Santiago approached the microphone, notepad in one hand and tissue in the other. Tears spilled down his face as he began to speak.
“I am sorry about my wife,” Santiago said while facing the judge. “I am so sorry and I hope she can forgive me. I wish we could have raised our kids together. … Throughout my life, I’ve been trying to escape my past, but it’s always been chasing me.”
Santiago then took a deep breath and turned to the gallery to face the Varcak family.
“To her mother, I’m sorry that I failed you and her. I honored to love her and I did not live up to that promise. To my children, I am sorry for everything.”
“Nothing I can say or do will bring Meghan back, and though my words sound hollow, they are true,” he said through tears as he looked at Meghan’s family. “I’m very sorry, regardless of what happens next, I’m very sorry.”