A suspect has been arrested in connection to the murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, whose body was found in a burning car along an Arizona highway in April 2023. On November 11, 22-year-old Sencere Hayes was apprehended in Tennessee.
He faces a first-degree murder charge, along with other charges, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
The sheriff’s office is working on extraditing Hayes to Arizona. The case has been under investigation as a homicide, with the sheriff’s office emphasizing their dedication to solving it.
An autopsy revealed that Vega had blunt force trauma, a gunshot wound to her arm, and bleach in her throat.
Vega was discovered in a car that wasn’t hers, while her own vehicle was located near her apartment in Tempe.
The family shared that she worked as an exotic dancer, and her obituary highlighted her talents as a singer, straight-A student, and love for swimming and playing the violin. Loved ones remembered her for her huge heart and powerful spirit.