An arrest was made more than a year after an exotic dancer was found burned alive in the back of a car, having suffered a gunshot wound, blunt force injuries from a beating, and bleach poured down her throat

Above: A photo of Mercedes Vega, remembered as a straight-A student and aspiring personal trainer, showcases her radiant personality.

Tonopah, Ariz. (Nov. 20, 2024) — After months of extensive investigation, authorities have apprehended a suspect in the brutal April 2023 murder of 22-year-old Arizona dancer Mercedes Vega.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) announced that Sencere Patrick Hayes, 22, was arrested on Nov. 11, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and now faces charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with Vega’s death.

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Vega’s body was discovered on April 17, 2023, in a burning car along a highway in Tonopah, Arizona, about 60 miles from her home in Tempe.

The discovery set off a harrowing investigation that has left her family grieving and searching for answers.

Timeline of the Crime

According to her family, Vega was last seen alive on the night of April 16, 2023.

Surveillance footage captured her walking through the parking garage of her apartment complex in Tempe around 9 p.m.

Tragically, her parents later found bloodstains at her parking spot, leading them to believe she was attacked there.

The next morning, deputies responded to a report of a car engulfed in flames in Tonopah. Inside the charred vehicle, authorities found Vega’s body in the backseat.

Forensic examination revealed she had suffered blunt force trauma, a gunshot wound, and smoke inhalation.

Disturbingly, bleach was also found in her throat, and her face appeared to have been doused with the chemical. Investigators discovered gloves, bleach, and lighter fluid in and around the vehicle.

Above: Surveillance footage shows Vega in her apartment’s parking garage the night before her death.

The Arrest and Investigation

Hayes was arrested in Tennessee and is awaiting extradition to Arizona, according to MCSO spokesperson Sgt. Monica Bretado.

Hayes had been in Hamilton County custody for unrelated charges, including theft, firearm possession, and reckless driving.

Online records indicate that Hayes surrendered voluntarily to local authorities on Nov. 11.

Gov. Katie Hobbs’ spokesperson, Christian Slater, confirmed that the extradition process would begin following formal charges in Arizona.

MCSO officials stated they anticipate additional arrests in the case, though they have not released information about a possible motive or Hayes’ connection to Vega.

Below: A photo of Sencere Patrick Hayes, the 22-year-old suspect, arrested in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Who Was Mercedes Vega?

Vega was an accomplished young woman with a bright future.

She excelled academically, earning straight As, and was known for her love of the violin.

Her obituary described her as a compassionate person who “always stood up for others and protected those who could not protect themselves.”

She worked as an exotic dancer and was aspiring to become a personal trainer.

At a November 2024 press conference, Vega’s mother, Erika Pillsbury, tearfully recounted her daughter’s vibrant spirit, saying, “You always knew when she was around. She encouraged so many people to be who they were wholly and without excuse.”

Vega’s friends and family have been actively advocating for justice.

Her friend Makenzie Lockhart read a heartfelt letter at the press conference, vowing to ensure that “these vile, evil people” responsible for Vega’s death would be held accountable.

Above: A reward poster distributed by Vega’s family and friends offers cash for information leading to arrests in the case.

Family’s Call for Justice

The family has been vocal about their grief and frustration with the slow progress of the investigation.

Vega’s stepfather, Thomas Pillsbury, shared that he wasn’t her biological father but had grown close to her, recalling heartfelt moments during her teenage years.

“I’m not going to get to see her get married or hold my grandchildren—it hurts to know that,” he said.

The family continues to hang Vega’s Christmas stocking alongside those of her siblings as a tribute to her memory.

The family has also used social media and distributed flyers to keep Vega’s story in the public eye.

The flyers include details of the crime, noting that Vega was struck in the head, forced into a car, and later shot before her body was burned.

Below: Mercedes Vega’s family and friends hold a Silent Witness news conference in Phoenix, pleading for justice.

The Crime Scene

The crime occurred near Tonopah, a rural area west of Phoenix.

The location has become central to the investigation, with evidence such as bleach and lighter fluid pointing to a premeditated act.

Authorities believe Vega may have been abducted and tortured before her death.

Above: A Google Maps image shows the remote highway area near Tonopah, where Vega’s body was discovered.

Suspect’s Background

Hayes has a criminal history in Hamilton County, Tennessee, with prior arrests in 2024 for gun-related charges, theft, and driving offenses.

Court records from May and June 2024 reveal that Hayes was involved in incidents of reckless driving and possession of multiple firearms.

It remains unclear whether these charges are related to the Arizona case.

Below: Another photo of Mercedes Vega highlights her bright smile and kind demeanor, cherished by her loved ones.

Next Steps

With Hayes in custody, investigators hope to uncover further details about the events leading to Vega’s murder.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish-speaking callers.

A cash reward is available for tips leading to additional arrests.

The Pillsbury family continues to seek closure, holding onto their memories of Vega while advocating for justice.