Overview of the Case

Miguel Salguero-Olivares was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, and first-degree burglary for the 2012 murder of Faith Hedgepeth, a 19-year-old student at UNC-Chapel Hill. The jury delivered its verdict on Friday in a Durham County courtroom, concluding a case that remained unresolved for over 14 years.

Timeline of Events

Faith Hedgepeth, a junior majoring in biology, was discovered dead in her off-campus apartment in Chapel Hill on September 7, 2012. Following her murder, an extensive investigation took place, culminating in Salguero-Olivares’ arrest on September 16, 2021. His apprehension was linked to DNA evidence obtained during a separate incident—a drunk-driving stop shortly before his arrest.

Trial and Sentencing

Salguero-Olivares received a life sentence without the possibility of parole for murder. In addition, he was sentenced to concurrent terms of 64 to 89 months for burglary, and 240 to 348 months each for first-degree rape and first-degree sexual offense.

During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling DNA and fingerprint evidence establishing a connection to the crime scene. Forensic expert Erin Ermish testified that DNA swabbed from Hedgepeth’s body indicated a 170 septillion times higher likelihood of a mixture involving Salguero-Olivares than an unknown individual. Prosecutor Lisa Coltrain emphasized this point, stating, “They still got the guy because he left his DNA like confetti all over that room.”

Reactions to the Verdict

As the verdict was announced, Salguero-Olivares expressed frustration, stating, “It’s not fair.” His mother was visibly emotional during the proceedings. Conversely, Hedgepeth’s family found a crucial sense of closure. Connie Hedgepeth, Faith’s mother, remarked, “Here we have been waiting a long time, over 14 years. And I am just glad we have the closure we need, we have peace.” She expressed her forgiveness for the events surrounding her daughter’s death.

Roland Hedgepeth, Faith’s father, noted the significant duration of their wait for justice, stating, “That’s 14 years, six weeks and four days or 169 months and 18 days and 5,158 days … that’s how long it’s been.”

Jurors and Community Impact

The trial lasted 19 days and involved extensive contributions from law enforcement, with over 25 special agents from the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) addressing the case and more than 400 DNA samples collected. Many jurors reacted emotionally to the evidence presented, particularly the autopsy photographs of Hedgepeth.

Judge Keith Gregory shared a moment of empathy with Hedgepeth’s parents, noting his own son was a UNC-Chapel Hill student at the time of the murder, before concluding the proceedings with a supportive hug.

Next Steps

Salguero-Olivares is currently appealing his convictions and sentences, as the case continues to impact both families and the broader community.