Maryland Woman Killed, Dismembered, Grilled Her Mom's Body
A Maryland woman has been sentenced to life in prison for a crime so disturbing it left even seasoned investigators shocked. A brutal murder, an attempted cover-up, and a trail of horrifying evidence led to Candace Craig's conviction. But what led her to commit such a gruesome act — and how did authorities uncover the truth?
A Gruesome Discovery
Candace Craig, 46, was found guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and illegally disposing of a body in connection with the horrific killing of her 71-year-old mother, Margaret Craig. Authorities discovered Margaret's decomposing remains stuffed in trash bags in the basement of the family's home after a neighbor reported her missing.
When police arrived at the Hyattsville residence on June 2, 2023, for a welfare check, they were immediately hit with a putrid smell. "Officers observed in an open trash bag what appeared to be brain matter," according to a charging document obtained by PEOPLE. Investigators also found a chainsaw covered in human remains, cutting utensils, and cleaning materials scattered throughout the basement.
Why Did She Do It?
Prosecutors say the murder stemmed from a financial dispute. Candace Craig's daughter, Salia Hardy, 21, testified that her grandmother had accused her mother of stealing money from her bank account. On May 23, 2023, Hardy recalled hearing Margaret scream from another room. She later found her grandmother's lifeless body in a blue bin, a trash bag covering her head, with blood soaking the carpet.
When confronted, Craig allegedly told her daughter they needed to dispose of the body — offering three chilling options: "using acid, burning the (body) or chopping it up," as reported by DC News Now.
A Failed Cover-Up
Hardy testified that she and her mother went to Home Depot to buy grilling supplies and a can of gasoline. Craig then attempted to burn her mother's body in the backyard. However, the fire grew too large, drawing the attention of concerned neighbors and the fire department.
After the fire was extinguished, Craig and Hardy retrieved the remains, which had been left to "cool off" overnight, as reported by DC News Now. The next day, Craig ordered a chainsaw online and used it to dismember her mother's body in the basement.
When asked why she helped her mother, Hardy responded in court: "Because my mother asked me," News4 reported, according to PEOPLE.
The Sentencing
After being convicted, Candace Craig was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Her daughter, Salia Hardy, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and was sentenced to five years of supervised probation as part of a plea deal.
Craig's actions were so disturbing that even seasoned investigators were shocked. The medical examiner testified that her office received "67 segments of remains," with evidence showing the victim had been burned and dismembered with a mechanical saw, as reported by Fox 5.
A Chilling Reminder
This case serves as a grim reminder of how financial disputes can escalate into unimaginable violence. Margaret Craig's tragic death was not only brutal but calculated, as her daughter attempted to destroy evidence in a desperate bid to cover up the crime.
While Craig will spend the rest of her life behind bars, the horrific nature of the crime will not be forgotten. As authorities continue to process the aftermath, one question remains: How could a daughter commit such an atrocity against her own mother?
References: Woman Who Grilled Mom's Remains, Cut Her Up With Chainsaw Sentenced | Daughter of Md. woman accused of killing, dismembering elderly mother testifies Wednesday | Daughter testifies in murder trial of mother accused of dismembering, grilling grandmother | Daughter testifies in mom's trial, detailing grisly murder of grandmother at Hyattsville home | Daughter testifies in murder trial of mother accused of dismembering, grilling grandmother
