Killing of Faith Hedgepeth

Unraveling the Tragic Case of Faith Hedgepeth

On September 7, 2012, a young life was cut short in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Faith Hedgepeth, an undergraduate student at UNC-CH, was found dead in her apartment with evidence pointing to a brutal attack.

The Night Before

That evening began like any other for Faith and Rosario, her roommate. They attended a rush event for Alpha Pi Omega, then spent the night studying together at Davis Library before heading out to The Thrill nightclub. By 3 a.m., they returned home, but Faith’s phone stopped sending messages after that. Rosario tried calling Brandon Edwards around the same time, but he didn’t answer.

The Discovery

At 11 a.m., Rosario left her apartment to get into McCrary’s car, believing Faith was asleep. She returned with Marisol Rangel and found Faith’s bloodied body in her bedroom. The police were called, and they collected DNA from the scene and the victim’s friends, including Eriq Takoy Jones, who had a history of domestic violence.

Forensic Evidence

A note left at the scene suggested jealousy, written sloppily with ballpoint pen on a torn-off paper bag. The handwriting analysis indicated it was likely written by someone using their non-dominant hand to disguise their identity. The words ‘STUPID’ were noted as possibly separate from the rest of the text, raising questions about multiple writers or different times.

The Investigation

For years, the case remained unsolved. In 2016, a DNA testing company released an image showing what the suspect might look like based on his genetic phenotype. The investigation records were initially sealed, with only limited information released over time. Despite requests for more details, the district attorney’s office argued that releasing detailed records would hinder the investigation.

The Arrest

In September 2021, the Chapel Hill Police Department announced an arrest in the case, linking Miguel Salguero-Olivares to the crime through DNA evidence. He was charged with first-degree murder and additional charges of first-degree burglary, rape, and sexual offense.

Conclusion

The case of Faith Hedgepeth is a stark reminder of the complexities in solving such tragic crimes. The journey from the night of her disappearance to the arrest of Miguel Salguero-Olivares has been long and filled with twists and turns. It serves as a call for vigilance and the importance of thorough investigations, especially when dealing with sensitive cases involving domestic violence.