Man Enters Not Guilty Plea in Long-Running UNC Murder Case
Nearly 14 years after the killing of University of North Carolina student Faith Hedgepeth, the man accused in her death has formally pleaded not guilty in court.
Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares, 33, appeared during a pretrial hearing in Durham County, North Carolina, where his attorney entered not guilty pleas on his behalf. He faces charges including first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, and first-degree burglary in connection with the 2012 killing.
The case has remained one of North Carolina’s most closely followed criminal investigations since Hedgepeth’s death.
2012 Killing Remained Unsolved for Years
Faith Hedgepeth was a 19-year-old University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student when she was found dead inside her off-campus apartment on September 7, 2012. Her roommate discovered her body after returning home that morning.
Investigators determined that Hedgepeth died from severe head injuries caused by a violent beating. Evidence collected at the crime scene included a handwritten message on a fast-food paper bag and DNA recovered from several items.
For years, the investigation remained unsolved despite extensive forensic work. In 2021, authorities announced the arrest of Salguero-Olivares after DNA evidence allegedly linked him to the crime scene. He has consistently denied any involvement in the killing.
Trial Expected to Begin in September
Following the recent not guilty plea, the case is set to move toward trial, which is currently scheduled to begin on September 28.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Salguero-Olivares could receive a life sentence under North Carolina law.
The case has drawn national attention over the years because of the lengthy investigation and the use of forensic DNA evidence that eventually led to an arrest nearly a decade after the crime occurred.
Faith Hedgepeth’s family has continued to seek justice throughout the long legal process, and the upcoming trial is expected to mark a significant step in resolving one of the state’s most high-profile cold cases.
