By Rebekah Riess, CNN
A 28-year-old man has been arrested in reference to the killing of Religion Danielle Hedgepeth, a 19-year-old College of North Carolina at Chapel Hill scholar who was discovered useless in her off-campus house in 2012, officers stated Thursday.
Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares from Durham, North Carolina, was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide, Assistant Chief of Police Celisa Lehew, who has led the investigation for six years, introduced at a information convention.
“Our company has been dedicated to bringing justice to Religion and her household for the reason that day of her homicide,” Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue stated in a press release. “I’m pleased with all of the folks — inside our division and within the many accomplice businesses that assisted us — whose laborious work made this end result doable.”
The state crime lab matched Salguero-Olivares’ DNA to DNA discovered on the crime scene, NC Legal professional Common Josh Stein stated on the information convention. “This case underscores the significance of DNA,” Stein stated.
Hedgepeth was a member of North Carolina’s Haliwa-Saponi Native American tribe, and Durham County District Legal professional Satana Deberry famous that the case underlined the “devastating actuality of violence in opposition to indigenous girls.”
She added: “In some communities, they face homicide charges 10 occasions greater than the nationwide common. Too usually these instances and these girls don’t get the eye they deserve.”
Salguero-Olivares is being held on the Durham County Jail with out bond, in line with the Durham County Sheriff’s Workplace. CNN is working to find out if Salguero-Olivares has an lawyer.
Hedgepeth’s physique was discovered September 7, 2012. “Her tragic demise shook our neighborhood to its core, and we proceed to really feel the influence of her unbelievable spirit at present,” UNC-Chapel Hill stated in a press release following the announcement.
“As we speak, our hearts and prayers are with Religion’s household and family members as we proceed honoring her life and reminiscence,” the college stated. “We additionally wish to thank our campus and neighborhood companions, together with the Chapel Hill Police Division, UNC Police, state legislation enforcement and investigators for his or her perseverance on this case.”
In keeping with the college, Hedgepeth was an energetic member of the Carolina Indian Circle, Unheard Voices and served as an American Indian Heart volunteer.
Gov. Roy Cooper issued a press release thanking the State Bureau of Investigation, the State Crime Lab, Chapel Hill Police and different legislation enforcement “who labored relentlessly and have by no means given up on fixing the homicide.”
Salguero-Olivares’ first court docket look is scheduled for September 21 on the Durham County Courthouse, in line with the Durham County Sheriff’s Workplace.
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