Major Update in Bleach-in-Throat Burned Body Case

Dec 5, 2025

40:28

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Two defendants accused of the horrifying murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, who was allegedly shot, beaten, had bleach poured down her throat, and was left to die in a burning car, could now face the ultimate punishment. Prosecutors in Maricopa County, Arizona are officially seeking the death penalty against Cudjoe Young and Sencere Hayes, who police believe murdered Vega to prevent her from testifying against Young in an armed robbery case. Law&Crime’s Jesse Weber sits down with criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor Kurt Altman to get expert insight on what this means for the trial moving forward. Plus, hear directly from Mercedes’ parents, Erika and Tom Pillsbury, as they share their emotional reaction to the capital punishment decision.

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Jesse Weber: https://twitter.com/jessecordweber

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