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Third Suspect Extradited in Mercedes Vega Killing

Prosecutors have moved to seek the death penalty for two co-defendants, underscoring the stakes as Gray returns to court next week.

Overview

  • Jared Gray was transferred from Georgia to Maricopa County and made an initial court appearance overnight in Phoenix.
  • He is being held on a $4 million cash-only bond and is scheduled for an arraignment next week.
  • Sheriff’s records list charges that include first-degree murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, hindering prosecution, and theft.
  • Court documents say Gray’s fingerprints were found at the scene and allege Tennessee-to-Arizona travel coordinated by Cudjoe Young, including plane tickets for Gray and Sencere Hayes.
  • On Friday, Sencere Hayes and Cudjoe Young pleaded not guilty, and prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty against both, with no decision announced for Gray.