Arrest Made in 2023 Arizona Murder of Mercedes Vega

Sencere Hayes is taken into custody for the brutal killing of the 22-year-old found in a burning car.

Mercedes Vega, an exotic dancer, was found dead in a burning car on Interstate 10 in April 2023.
Sencere Hayes, 22, was arrested in Tennessee on November 11, 2024, and is awaiting extradition to Arizona.
Vega suffered blunt force trauma, a gunshot wound, and her body was doused with bleach before being set on fire.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive or confirmed if Hayes knew Vega, and more arrests are anticipated.
Vega's family, who have been seeking justice for 19 months, expressed relief at the arrest, hoping for further vindication.