PHOENIX — It’s been one year since a Valley woman was brutally murdered and still, no arrests have been made in the shocking case.
To mark the somber anniversary of Mercedes Vega’s death, her loved ones marched to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office headquarters in downtown Phoenix hoping to send a message to investigators that they’ve run out of patience.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: No se han realizado arrestos por el brutal asesinato de una mujer de Tempe
“Why we are here right now in front of this building is because they need to do more,” said Erika Pillsbury, Mercedes Vega’s mother.
Vega, 22, was last seen leaving her Tempe apartment complex on the night of April 16, 2023. Just this week, MCSO told 12News Vega’s last known communication was abruptly canceling personal plans and she had stated she was going to work.
Hours later, her car was found abandoned and parked illegally near Culinary Dropout in Tempe. her body was found in the backseat of a burning car on Interstate 10 near Tonopah. A medical examiner’s report revealed she was tortured. She had bleach in her throat, a gunshot wound on her arm, and trauma to her head.
“Someone who can do something like that to a 22-year-old, beautiful young woman is less than human,” Pillsbury said.
The violent nature of Vega’s death makes it even harder to process that one year later, MCSO has not publicly identified any suspects and no arrests have been made.
“I miss my daughter so much. I'm angry. I'm frustrated,” said Tom Pillsbury, Vega’s father. “If you can't solve something after a year, you should step up and say you know what I need to get every organization that's involved in helping us that is why we're here.”
Maricopa County Sheriff Russ Skinner released a statement Wednesday reading, “I am shook and outraged by the senseless murder of Mercedes Vega. Our homicide detectives are continually collaborating with local and federal agencies to pursue justice for Mercedes in effort to bring the closure her family and our community deserves,” said Sheriff Russ Skinner.
“Communion and the exchange of information among MCSO and partner agencies are crucial in this on-going investigation. Our dedicated detectives are committed to resolving this case, and we recognize the urgent need for justice shared by our community.”
On Tuesday night, MCSO released new details in the case saying they discovered video surveillance of Vega’s car being left in Tempe and they’ve executed search warrants on numerous accounts and devices.
But for Vega’s heartbroken loved ones, that is not enough.
“This is insane. A monster did this. And she just did not deserve this and she deserves justice,” said Alahzay Rossi, Vega’s friend.
“Knowing that such a bright light was taken, it doesn't make sense. It does not make sense. And it's not right. There's no reason why a year later we have nothing. That's unacceptable,” said Makenzie Lockhart, Vega’s friend.
Family and friends of Vega vow not to give up on their fight until there are arrests and justice is served.
“We're gonna fight to the end of our lives for her,” Tom Pillsbury said.
If you have any information about Vega’s case, you are urged to contact MCSO or Silent Witness. Silent Witness is offering a $2,000 reward.
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