Partially Naked 19-Year-Old College Student's Body Found Bludgeoned to Death With Rum Bottle
Faith Hedgepeth was a bright, ambitious student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill when tragedy struck on Sept. 7, 2012. At just 19 years old, Faith was found brutally murdered in her off-campus apartment. The shocking crime rocked the UNC community, leaving friends and family in disbelief and investigators struggling to unravel a grim mystery that would span nearly a decade.
A Crime That Shook Chapel Hill
The circumstances surrounding Faith's murder were chilling. She was discovered partially nude, with severe head trauma believed to have been caused by a blunt object — later identified as an empty rum bottle. A cryptic message scrawled on a paper bag at the scene added to the puzzle: "I'M NOT STUPID B—CH, JEALOUS."
Despite initial efforts, investigators faced a frustrating deadlock as leads ran cold and suspects were cleared. It wasn't until 2021 that a breakthrough, powered by advances in DNA technology, finally reignited hope for justice.
Who Was Faith Hedgepeth?
Faith Hedgepeth grew up in North Carolina as a member of the Haliwa-Saponi Native American tribe. Known for her warm spirit and sharp intellect, she excelled academically and socially. A full scholarship brought her to UNC-Chapel Hill, where she pursued her dream of becoming the first college graduate in her family and aspired to a career in education or pediatrics. Faith was active in her community, participating in groups like the Carolina Indian Circle and volunteering at the university's American Indian Center.
Her potential was limitless, making her tragic and violent death even more devastating to those who loved her.
The Night Before
On the night of her murder, Faith and her roommate, Karena Rosario, attended a sorority event before heading to a local nightclub called The Thrill. Security footage later showed the pair leaving the club and returning to their shared apartment around 3 a.m. According to Rosario, Faith stayed in the apartment while Rosario left shortly after with a friend. When Rosario returned with another friend the next morning, they discovered Faith's lifeless body.
A neighbor reported hearing loud noises around 3 a.m., which investigators would later tie to the timeline of the crime. The evidence, including a partially bloodied comforter, semen, and the cryptic note, painted a horrifying picture but offered few immediate clues about who committed the crime.
Years of Frustration
For nearly nine years, investigators combed through evidence, collecting over 200 DNA samples and examining the crime scene in detail. Faith's murder became a cold case, but her family never lost hope. Advances in forensic technology eventually gave them the breakthrough they had prayed for.
DNA recovered from the crime scene was matched to Miguel Enrique Salguero-Olivares, a man with no known connection to Faith. Salguero-Olivares was arrested in September 2021 after his DNA, collected during a separate arrest, matched the sample from the murder scene. This marked a turning point in the case and brought some relief to Faith's grieving family.
What We Know About the Suspect
Salguero-Olivares, 28 at the time of his arrest, faces charges of first-degree murder, as well as additional charges of first-degree rape, burglary, and sexual offense. Investigators claim his DNA was present on key evidence, including the murder weapon and the cryptic note. Despite this, Salguero-Olivares has maintained his innocence. He remains in custody, awaiting trial.
While the arrest has brought some clarity, questions remain. Investigators have yet to determine a motive, and Salguero-Olivares had no documented ties to Faith or UNC Chapel Hill. This lingering uncertainty continues to haunt the case.
The Impact on Faith's Family and Community
For Faith's loved ones, the arrest brought both relief and renewed pain. Her parents expressed gratitude for the progress but emphasized that no outcome could truly ease the loss of their daughter. Faith's mother, Connie Hedgepeth, described the arrest as a step toward justice while acknowledging the lasting void left by her absence.
The UNC community also felt the reverberations of Faith's death. Vigils, memorials, and ongoing support from campus organizations highlighted her enduring impact. Faith's murder also underscored the broader issue of violence against Indigenous women, a crisis that continues to demand national attention.
Justice Delayed
Although an arrest has been made, the legal process remains slow. With no trial date set, Faith's family continues to wait for answers. The case highlights the critical role of DNA technology in solving cold cases, offering hope to other families awaiting closure.
Faith Hedgepeth's legacy is one of resilience and light. Though her life was tragically cut short, her story continues to inspire and unite those who seek justice for the voiceless.
References: Man Charged in Death of North Carolina College Student Faith Hedgepeth 9 Years Later | Additional charges filed against suspect in killing of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth | All That's Interesting - Inside The Gruesome Murder Of Faith Hedgepeth And The Search For Her Killer
