Man accused of killing Mercedes Vega extradited to AZ

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A 22-year-old Tennessee man accused of brutally killing an Arizona woman was extradited to the desert on Sunday and sent to prison, officials said.

Sencere Hayes was arrested on November 11 in Hamilton County, Tennessee. His capture came more than a year after the body of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega was found in the back seat of a burning car along Interstate 10 outside Tonopah.

He faces one count of first-degree murder, as well as three felony counts of kidnapping, armed robbery and carjacking. Hayes made an initial court appearance Monday morning and his bail was set at $2 million.

Officials have not said whether homicide detectives have identified any other suspects connected to the murder, and have not explained how detectives linked Hayes to Vega’s death.

Prosecutor Kirsten Valenzuela, deputy bureau chief of the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office capital litigation unit, said in court that investigators have “strong evidence” of Hayes’ involvement. She said the investigation was “ongoing” and involved “other individuals.”

She said Hayes has two pending misdemeanor cases involving firearms in Tennessee. Valenzuela said Hayes had a prior felony conviction in Georgia.

Hayes spoke little during the hearing, but said he thought the bond set for his release was “unconstitutional.”

Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner called Vega’s killing a “horrific crime” in a statement Monday. Officials said investigators are continuing “complex work on this investigation.”

“This arrest is a testament to the dedication and unwavering commitment of our detectives and law enforcement partners to ensure justice for Mercedes Vega and her loved ones,” Skinner said. “While much remains to be done, in collaboration with the state, local and federal partners, we hope this arrest brings Mercedes’ family one step closer to finding closure.”

What happened to the Mercedes Vega?

Deputies responded to reports of a car on fire on the shoulder of Interstate 10 near Tonopah on April 17, 2023.

At the scene, law enforcement found a burning Chevrolet Malibu and Vega’s body inside the vehicle — about 60 miles west of her home in Tempe.

Before her death, Vega worked part-time as a dancer at a club, NBC News reported in April. Her family said she planned to quit dancing, open a gym and become a personal trainer.

Flyers distributed by Vega’s family and friends said she was last seen the night before her death walking to her car in the garage at the apartments where she lived.

A medical examiner’s report ruled Vega’s death a homicide, citing burns and smoke inhalation as the cause of death. According to the report, blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds also contributed to her death.

Gloves and bleach were found in the front of the car, and there was lighter fluid in the back seat, the medical examiner wrote in the report.

Family, friends spent months begging for answers

Vega’s family and friends gathered at Phoenix police headquarters last year as part of a press conference with Silent Witness, where they pleaded for answers and evidence.

Erika Pillsbury, Vega’s mother, cried during the news conference as she tried to make sense of her daughter’s death.

“I miss her so much,” Pillsbury said. “She was so bright. She was such a beautiful, sweet and kind soul. She doesn’t deserve this. He didn’t deserve what happened to him. It just doesn’t seem real that she’s gone. It was mine and the person who did this had no right to take it.”

Makenzie Lockhart read a letter to her late friend as tears streamed down her face during the event.

“God, I miss you,” Lockhart said. “I never thought in my life that there would be a world without you. Your life and future have been stolen from you. We, your family and friends, have been robbed of watching your future, and it can’t be for nothing. I’ll be damned if these evil, vile people will get away with what they did to you.”

Reporter Perry Vandell contributed to this article.

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