A third suspect in the murder of an Arizona woman in 2023 has been extradited from Georgia to stand trial.
Jared Gray is facing nine charges, including first degree murder, in the death of Mercedes Vega, who was found in a burning car on Interstate 10 near Tonopah in April 2023, according to KSAZ.
The medical examiner’s report noted blunt force trauma, a gunshot wound to the arm, and bleach found in her throat, as CrimeOnline reported. She died from smoke inhalation.
Sencere Hayes was arrested for the murder in Tennessee in late 2024, and Cudjoe Young was charged last year, NBC News reported.
Vega had been preparing to testify against Young in an armed robbery case when she was abducted from her apartment’s parking garage and murdered.
Prosecutors in Maricopa County have filed intent to seek the death penalty for Young and Hayes; they have not made a determination for Gray.
Gray is being held on a $4 million bond and is expected in court next week for arraignment.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Featured image: Mercedes Vega/handout]
