PHOENIX — In April 2023, 22-year-old Mercedes Vega was kidnapped, tortured and murdered. Her body was found inside of a burning car on the I-10 freeway near Tonopah, west of Phoenix. She was last seen alive on surveillance footage from her Tempe apartment complex while walking to her car.
Her family said she was attacked and taken moments after the video cut off. Her murder has remained unsolved until now.
“It's a terrible, terrible, horrible, horrific club to be a part of," said Erika Pillsbury, Vega's mother. "Losing a child is, there's no words.”
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office made a break in the high-profile case and announced the arrest of 22-year-old Sencere Hayes.
MCSO's homicide unit found Hayes in Tennessee and arrested him on November 11 on a first-degree murder charge. Vega's parents tell 12News Hayes was a stranger to them and their daughter.
More arrests are expected in the case.
“It does give us some peace to know that the player that probably had the most to do with it is in custody," said Tom Pillsbury. “I believe that we are very, very close to having all parties arrested.”
Tennessee, Alabama court records shed light on suspect's history
Hayes is from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has a lengthy criminal record in that area.
His adult history dates back to at least May of 2021 when he was 18. He was arrested in DeKalb County, Alabama, and was indicted in February of 2022 for receiving a stolen gun, along with drug charges.
Records show the district attorney determined they would no longer prosecute him after an investigator on the case was arrested. The Alabama case was dismissed on April 10, 2023, days before Vega was murdered.
In May of 2024, Hayes was arrested by the Chattanooga Police Department, records show. Police responded to a shots-fired incident and were ultimately led to Hayes. He was found with multiple weapons and one of them was stolen, according to court documents. Hayes was arrested and then released on a $5,000 bond.
Weeks later, Hayes was arrested again by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for driving under the influence and speeding. He, again, was found illegally possessing a firearm.
Man accused of robbing Vega years before her death is from same Tennessee city as murder suspect
Hayes' arrest comes as another suspect accused of robbing Vega at gunpoint is still awaiting trial.
That suspect, Cudjoe Young, is also from Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Police say in 2020, Young followed Vega as she left the club where she worked and then robbed her at gunpoint outside of her home. The following month, another dancer at the same club Vega worked at was targeted.
Vega assisted police in their investigation by flagging unusual activity on her cash apps and ultimately identified Young in a photo lineup.
Young was charged with armed robbery and attempt to commit armed robbery.
At the time of Vega's death in April of 2023, she was aiding in the prosecution of Young. He was out of custody and wearing an ankle monitor when she was killed.
12News has repeatedly asked MCSO if there is any connection between the armed robbery and murder cases but authorities have declined to comment.
In November 2023, Young was arrested in a Tempe PD narcotics operation and is accused of facilitating a large-scale drug transaction involving 40,000 fentanyl pills.
He has been held without bail ever since.
He appeared in court on Monday for the armed robbery case. Young's defense attorney said they are awaiting an offer from the state and will meet in December for a settlement conference.