Durham Verdict: 2012 Chapel Hill Murder Solved After 400 DNA Tests

For fourteen years, the death of a 19-year-old University of North Carolina student remained a mystery in Chapel Hill. On Friday, a Durham jury ended that wait by convicting Miguel Salguero Olivares of first-degree murder, rape, sexual offense, and burglary.

The verdict concluded a case that investigators described as a monumental effort spanning nearly a decade. The State Bureau of Investigation reported that the investigation took nine years and nine days to solve. More than 25 special agents worked alongside the Chapel Hill Police Department on the case.

Detectives followed thousands of leads and conducted hundreds of interviews during the inquiry. They collected and tested more than 400 DNA samples to identify the suspect. SBI Director Chip Hawley called the case a monumental event in the agency's history, citing the hard work, determination, and dedication of the involved teams.

Judge Keith Gregory addressed the family in court moments after the jury returned its decision. Gregory, who is visibly emotional, spoke as a fellow parent. He noted that his own son is one year younger than Faith Hedgepeth was when she died. He said, 'We're not supposed to watch our children leave this earth before we do.'

Faith's mother, Connie Hedgepeth, told the court she feels peace after waiting more than 14 years for answers. She said, 'I'm just glad that we have the closure we need. I have peace and I forgave.' Her husband, Roland Hedgepeth, said he would pray for Salguero Olivares to repent. He recalled that his daughter never judged him and always loved him unconditionally.

Relatives also shared their experiences with the court. Faith's niece, Alexis Evans, said the family will not carry uncertainty into the holidays. Another relative, Schylar Steverson, described years of fear and anxiety since the 2012 killing. She stated, 'Today I take back that power.' The SBI now uses the case to train new agents at its academy.

A press conference followed at the Durham County Courthouse on Friday afternoon. District Attorney Satana Deberry, the Chapel Hill police chief, and the Hedgepeth family made statements. The case had gone unsolved for more than a decade before the recent conviction.