Suspect in Mercedes Vega case to face first-degree murder charge

CHATTANOOGA, AZ (AZFamily) — A man jailed in Tennessee is awaiting extradition to Arizona, where prosecutors plan to file first-degree murder charges against him for the death of Mercedes Vega, a young Tempe woman. Person found burned alive in the western desert From Valley last year.

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested 22-year-old Senencere Hayes last week.

Authorities say this is the first of many arrests expected in this case.

Vega had not only been killed but also tortured before Found burning in a car off Interstate 10 On April 17, 2023 near Tonopah.

“The first reaction was tears,” said Erika Pillsbury, Vega’s mother. “Was it relief or I really didn’t know how I was supposed to feel because it’s been so long.”

For a year and a half, Vega’s murder remains a mystery Until Hayes was arrested while he was in jail in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

“This won’t bring him back. We know that, but we can’t wait for him to get what he deserves,” Erika said.

Hayes was arrested twice in Tennessee last year, according to court records.

He was charged with burglary and possession of a firearm in May.

A month later, he was charged with reckless driving, speeding, driving without a license, driving under the influence, and carrying a gun while intoxicated.

Both of these events occurred After Vega’s horrific murder More than 1,700 miles away.

His family says investigators do not believe Vega and Hayes knew each other.

“I actually asked that question and we were told no,” Erika said.

Three years before Vega was killed, Cudjoe Young was arrested and charged with robbery after Vega singled him out in a photo lineup.

We learned that Young and Hayes are from Chattanooga.

“Will we ever know 100% exactly what happened? Maybe we will, maybe we won’t,” said Tom Pillsbury, Vega’s stepfather.

Vega’s family tells us They know the road to justice has only just begunThe Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed more arrests were coming.

“We just lift our shoulders and say, ‘Are they going to catch someone?’ You’re glad we don’t have to wonder. Then you get frustrated because more will come and you’re on this rollercoaster of emotions,” Tom said.

MCSO said it is working with the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office to have Hayes extradited from Tennessee to Arizona.

We don’t know when this will happen.

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