Fourteen years after 19-year-old Faith Hedgepeth was found dead in her off-campus apartment, testimony in the Durham County murder trial has focused on the events surrounding her death and the collection of forensic evidence.
Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares, 33, faces charges of first-degree murder, rape, sexual offense and burglary in connection with Hedgepeth’s 2012 killing. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty. If convicted of first-degree murder, he would face life in prison without parole, according to the source report.
Hedgepeth’s roommate, Karena Rosario, testified that the two went to a nightclub after studying and returned to their apartment in the early morning. Rosario said she left to stay with a friend and that Hedgepeth was breathing and conscious when she departed. Rosario later returned with another friend and found Hedgepeth dead beside her bed.
Prosecutors have presented items recovered from the bedroom, including a rum bottle they identify as the weapon used to strike Hedgepeth. The jury also heard about a handwritten, profane message on a restaurant bag. Investigators testified that Salguero-Olivares’ DNA was found on the bag and bottle.
The investigation initially produced no match among hundreds of DNA samples, according to the report. Authorities later used genetic genealogy, which led them to Salguero-Olivares. Police obtained a DNA sample during a 2021 traffic stop and subsequently charged him.
Defense attorneys have challenged how evidence was collected and preserved. Forensic technician Tamika Price acknowledged that mistakes were made while processing the scene and said she was still in training during the investigation. The defense also questioned why the rum bottle was not photographed before collection.
A separate point of dispute is a swab taken from a reddish stain on a bathroom doorframe. Price said an initial test indicated it could be blood, but the swab could not be found for additional testing. Retired forensic specialist Sheleathea Quick testified that she recalled it being collected and boxed, but investigators were unable to locate it after searching storage and work areas.
Testimony from state forensic and medical experts was scheduled to continue Tuesday. The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
