The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is recommending that Young be charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy related to the death of Mercedes Vega. Her mother, Erica Pillsbury, expressed relief over the developments, stating that they felt “drowning in a sea of despair” for two and a half years, and hope those responsible will face justice. Two other suspects, Jared Gray and Senser Hayes, are also charged in the case. Gray, currently in custody in Georgia on unrelated charges, has yet to be extradited to Arizona. Hayes has pleaded not guilty.
The investigation has identified links between the suspects and Chattanooga, Tennessee. On October 12, 2020, Vega was attacked near her home, where a man tried to rob her at gunpoint, leading to her death. Following the incident, her mother noted that Vega was traumatized, prompting a move to a supposedly safer apartment.
Other dancers from the same venue have reported similar incidents involving a masked man. One dancer, after being robbed, described an encounter matching the details of Vega’s attacker. These incidents highlight concerns about safety for those working in that area.
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