Chattanooga Men Charged in 2023 Arizona Murder of Mercedes Vega
A wave of arrests originating in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is unfolding in connection to the 2023 murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, whose body was discovered in a burning car near Tonopah, Arizona. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has been investigating the case for over a year, and recent developments indicate a network of individuals may have been involved in Vega’s death.
Arrests and Charges in Vega’s Murder
On November 11, 2024, authorities arrested 22-year-old Sencere Hayes of Chattanooga and charged him with Vega’s murder. Court records now reveal that Jared Gray, also from Chattanooga, faces a charge of first-degree murder in connection to the case. Additionally, Cudjoe Young, a Chattanooga resident, has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
The complex nature of the investigation suggests further arrests are anticipated, according to reports from local affiliates.
Timeline of Events and Prior Incidents
The investigation into Vega’s death was spurred by a series of incidents dating back to 2020. Detectives determined Vega was the victim of a robbery, followed by an attempted robbery a month later. Vega cooperated with the initial investigation, leading to the arrest of Cudjoe Young for both robberies.
Vega was last seen on the evening of April 16, 2023, captured on surveillance footage walking to her car at her apartment complex in Tempe, Arizona. She was reportedly on her way to meet friends. The following day, April 17, her body was found in the backseat of a vehicle set ablaze.
Gruesome Details and Family’s Relief
A medical examiner’s report revealed Vega suffered a brutal attack, sustaining injuries including blunt force trauma to the head, gunshot wounds, and the presence of bleach in her throat. The case remained open for 500 days, fueling the fears of Vega’s parents, Erika and Tom Pillsbury, that it would go cold.
“That was our biggest fear is that it was going to become a cold case,” Pillsbury stated.
The family received the long-awaited news of Hayes’ arrest on November 11. “He said, we got him, we got him. He’s in custody, Mercedes’ killer is in custody,” Pillsbury recounted, expressing relief that someone was finally being held accountable. “We’re hearing that this person who did this to our daughter or is part of this to our daughter with the other people is in custody and has been charged with capital murder.”
Hayes’ Prior Record and Extradition
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrested Hayes, who also has a prior criminal record including charges of theft, possession of a firearm, reckless driving, and driving under the influence dating back to May of this year. The MCSO is currently working with the County Attorney’s Office to facilitate Hayes’ extradition back to Arizona.
Detectives have assured Vega’s parents they are nearing the conclusion of their investigation, offering a glimmer of hope after a prolonged period of grief and uncertainty. “We’re just so grateful that our daughter is being vindicated and that she did matter,” Pillsbury said.
Local authorities continue to investigate, seeking to bring all those responsible for Vega’s death to justice.
