Nearly 14 years after 19-year-old Faith Hedgepeth was found dead in her off-campus apartment, Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and rape. Authorities say DNA recovered and reexamined in 2021 linked him to the 2012 crime scene. The autopsy cited a severe head injury, and investigators noted writing on a paper bag and DNA from a pen found at the scene. His trial is scheduled for Sept. 28.
Man Pleads Not Guilty in 2012 Killing of UNC Student; Trial Set for Sept. 28
Faith HedgepethCredit: Courtesy of Ronald Hedgepeth
A man charged in the killing of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student Faith Hedgepeth has pleaded not guilty nearly 14 years after her death. Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares, 33, entered the plea during a pretrial hearing in Durham County, N.C., where his attorney, James Rainsford, formally responded on his behalf.
Miguel Enrique Salguero-OlivaresCredit: Raleigh/Wake CCBI
Charges and Case Background
Salguero-Olivares faces multiple charges related to the September 2012 death of 19-year-old Hedgepeth, including first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense and first-degree burglary. Authorities announced his arrest in September 2021 after DNA evidence recovered and reexamined by the Chapel Hill Police Department was matched to him.
Faith HedgepethCredit: Facebook
What Investigators Say
Hedgepeth, a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill at the time, was found dead in her off-campus apartment on the morning of Sept. 7, 2012. Her roommate, Karena Rosario, discovered her when returning to the unit. An autopsy determined Hedgepeth died from a severe blow to the head. Investigators reported that a fast-food paper bag with a handwritten message and a pen were found near the body; authorities have said DNA from the pen matched DNA found at the scene.
"To the murderers and rapists, no matter how long ago you committed your crime, we will never stop coming for you," the North Carolina Attorney General said after the 2021 arrest.
Responses From Family And Others
Hedgepeth's mother, Connie Hedgepeth, has publicly described the family's long search for answers and expressed relief when the arrest was announced. Salguero-Olivares' mother also defended her son at the time of his arrest, saying she believes in his innocence. PEOPLE reached out to defense attorney James Rainsford for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Next Steps
Salguero-Olivares has maintained his innocence. His trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 28. Under North Carolina law, a conviction for first-degree murder would carry an automatic life sentence. The case remains one of the state's most closely watched cold-case prosecutions after reinvestigation of physical evidence led to the DNA match and the subsequent charges.
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