Suspect accused of murdering, kidnapping Mercedes Vega could face death penalty

PHOENIX — Prosecutors have indicated they intend to seek capital punishment if they obtain a murder conviction for the man accused of killing 22-year-old Mercedes Vega.

Sencere Hayes, 22, is facing murder and kidnapping charges in Maricopa County Superior Court for his alleged involvement in Vega’s death. 

VERSIÓN ESPAÑOL: El acusado de secuestrar y asesinar a Mercedes Vega enfrenta pena de muerte

“There are consequences for evil. His actions warrant punishment by death. Mercedes was smart, talented, brilliant. She would have made a huge impact in this world if her life wasn’t brutally taken. The world is at a loss without her,” said Erika Pillsbury, Vega’s mom. “I am angry, but that’s not why I’m in favor of the state seeking the death penalty, it’s because his crime warrants it. He made his choice, he chose his consequences.”

“Anyone who knows us knows that we’ve been waiting for a long time for any justice in Mercedes’ case and we are so grateful that the state has decided to make her a priority and make sure that she receives the justice that she so deserves. My wife and I feel like there’s been a weight lifted off of our shoulders and now we can put our trust in the justice system and now we know that we’re not the only ones fighting for her and we are grateful to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, Maricopa County Sheriffs Office and the State of Arizona,” said Tom Pillsbury, Vega’s dad. “We feel like she finally matters so the people who can do something about it and it’s a huge relief to us and with we’re regaining faith in the system.”

Vega was last seen leaving her Tempe apartment complex on the night of April 16, 2023. Vega’s body was eventually found in the backseat of a burning car on Interstate 10.

The victim had been shot, sustained head trauma and bleach was detected in her throat. A fingerprint collected by investigators led to Hayes being identified as a suspect. 

On May 13, prosecutors filed paperwork in court signaling their intention to seek the death penalty if Hayes is convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors had until May 14 to decide whether to pursue the death penalty in the case.

Capital murder cases operate a bit differently compared to other homicide trials. Prosecutors must first prove the defendant is guilty of the offense. If the defendant is found guilty, then the trial enters another phase where the jury decides whether the defendant’s sentence should be death or natural life.

RELATED: Mercedes Vega was kidnapped, tortured and murdered, officials say. 1 man is in custody and more arrests are expected.

“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest. 

The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:

• Mesa
• Chandler
• Scottsdale
• Tempe
• Glendale
• Surprise
• Peoria
• Gilbert
• El Mirage
• Avondale
• Litchfield Park
• Goodyear
• Buckeye

Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.

The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas.

How big is Maricopa County?

Maricopa County is the United States’ 4th largest county in terms of population with 4,485,414 people, according to the 2020 Census.

The county contains around 63% of Arizona’s population and is 9,224 square miles. That makes the county larger than seven U.S. states (Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Jersey, Massachusetts and New Hampshire).

One of the largest park systems in the nation is also located in Maricopa County. The county has an estimated 120,000 acres of open space parks that includes hundreds of miles of trails, nature centers and campgrounds.

The county’s seat is located in Phoenix, which is also the state capital and the census-designated 5th most populous city in the United States.

The county was named after the Maricopa, or Piipaash, Native American Tribe.