Faith Hedgepeth Murder Trial: What to Know 14 Years Later

Murder

Oct 20

Faith Danielle Hedgepeth was 19 years old when she was killed inside the Durham apartment she was temporarily sharing with her friend, Karina Rosario. Faith was a student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying biology and working toward a future in medicine. She was also a member of the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe and hoped to eventually return home to care for children in her community.

Faith’s Final Night

On September 6, 2012, Faith and Karina spent time studying at Davis Library before going to a Chapel Hill nightclub called The Thrill. They returned to their apartment in the early hours of September 7. Karina later left the apartment, believing Faith was in bed.

When Karina and a friend returned later that morning, they found Faith unresponsive in the bedroom. Investigators documented a violent crime scene, including a Bacardi rum bottle they believed had been used as a weapon and a handwritten message on a paper takeout bag. The message did not clearly explain who it was directed at or why it had been left there.

The Years Long Investigation

Faith’s killing drew immediate attention, but detectives did not have an identified suspect. Investigators collected DNA from the apartment, including evidence from bottles, the takeout bag, and Faith’s sexual assault examination. They compared samples with many people connected to Faith, but years passed without a match.

In 2021, investigators used investigative genetic genealogy to develop new leads. Miguel Salguero-Olivares was arrested and charged in connection with Faith’s death. The case moved through hearings and pretrial litigation before reaching a jury in 2026.

The Trial Is Underway

Miguel Salguero-Olivares is currently on trial in Durham, North Carolina. He is charged with murder, burglary, rape, and sexual offense in connection with Faith’s death. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the state must prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

The trial has included testimony about Faith’s final night, the original crime scene, the handling of evidence, and later DNA testing. In this episode, we lay out the full case for anyone following the trial now, while remembering Faith as the young woman whose life and plans were taken from her.

Sources:

True CrimeMoms and Mysteries

Moms And Murder Podcast

Faith Hedgepeth Murder Trial: What to Know 14 Years Later

Faith’s Final Night

The Years Long Investigation

The Trial Is Underway

Sources:

The Greenbrier Ghost: The Murder of Zona Heaster Shue

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