From Seattletimes · · 1m 40s
Trial Begins for Man Accused of Killing UNC Student 14 Years Ago
A man accused of murdering a UNC student 14 years ago faces trial after DNA evidence links him to the crime scene.
In brief
A man accused of murdering a UNC student 14 years ago faces trial after DNA evidence links him to the crime scene. Miguel Salguero Olivares, charged with first-degree murder, rape, and burglary for Faith Hedgepeth's 2012 death, begins trial after DNA evidence matched his profile to the crime scene. Originally reported…
Trial Begins
The trial of a man accused of killing a North Carolina college student 14 years ago began Wednesday with the prosecution alleging she was killed in a fit of rage by a stranger who left his DNA all over the crime scene.
Charges Against Olivares
Miguel Salguero Olivares is charged with first-degree murder, rape and burglary in the death of Faith Hedgepeth, a 19-year-old sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found beaten to death in her off-campus apartment in September 2012.
Prosecution's Evidence
Assistant District Attorney Angela Garcia-Lamarca said the defendant left his DNA on the murder weapon, a bottle of rum found covered in blood, inside Hedgepeth’s body and on a note written on a fast-food bag found at the scene.
Prosecution's Testimony
Garcia-Lamarca described Hedgepeth as a caring friend who was beloved by everyone who knew her and was on track to become the first person in her family to graduate from college.
Defense's Challenge
Defense attorney James Rainsford said prosecutors left out key details and urged jurors to ask themselves, 'Where’s the rest of the evidence?'
DNA Evidence Timeline
Salguero Olivares was arrested in 2021 after a DNA sample submitted to the state crime lab matched a profile found at the original crime scene, authorities said.
In short
Miguel Salguero Olivares, charged with first-degree murder, rape, and burglary for Faith Hedgepeth's 2012 death, begins trial after DNA evidence matched his profile to the crime scene.
