Nearly three weeks ago, authorities announced the arrest of Sencere Hayes, 22, in connection with the murder of Mercedes Vega, an exotic dancer whose body was found in a burning car on an Arizona highway 19 months ago.
Vega’s mother, Erika Pillsbury, says the arrest brings her a bit closer to closure but doesn’t answer many questions. She still doesn’t understand why her daughter was allegedly kidnapped, why she was killed in such a brutal way, or if anyone else was involved.
Pillsbury says, “I want to know what happened, even though it may make me even angrier.” She added, “I’m sure some mothers might not want to know, but I do.”
Since Hayes’ arrest last month, authorities haven’t released any information about the motive or his connection to Arizona. Public records show Hayes is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He’s been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, and theft in relation to Vega’s death on April 17, 2023.
At a recent court appearance, a prosecutor mentioned that the investigation is ongoing and may involve other individuals, but they have not been named.
A spokesperson from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the public’s many questions but said they couldn’t provide more details because the investigation is still active.
Sheriff Russ Skinner stated that although there’s still a lot of work to be done, the arrest is a step toward helping Vega’s family find closure.
At the court hearing, Pillsbury and her husband sat behind Hayes, silently showing they were there for their daughter. “We can’t speak to him, but I can stare at him,” Pillsbury said.
Vega, 22, was last seen on April 16, 2023, entering her apartment building’s garage in Tempe. Her family later found blood in the garage near her car, leading them to believe she was attacked and kidnapped.
Hours later, on the morning of April 17, Vega’s body was found in the back seat of a burned car on Interstate 10. The autopsy showed she had been beaten, shot, and burned. Her face also appeared to have been covered in bleach.
The car, a Chevy Malibu, was found after someone noticed flames coming from the back seat and called 911. Authorities later found Vega’s car a mile away from the garage, and the indictment alleges Hayes stole it.
Pillsbury is left wondering, “Was Hayes following her? Did he find her by chance?” She hopes the truth will eventually answer these questions.