A Woman Was Found in Burning Car with Bleach in Throat — and She Was Set to Testify Against One of the Suspects

A man previously accused of robbing a dancer at gunpoint in Arizona is now facing murder charges in connection with her gruesome 2023 death — a killing that allegedly occurred just as she was set to testify against him.

According to a Maricopa County indictment obtained by PEOPLE, 30-year-old Cudjoe Young was charged this month with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, arson, armed robbery, and other offenses related to the killing of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega.

Young is one of three people charged in the case. Sencere Hayes, who was arrested in November 2024, was also indicted this month on identical charges. A third suspect’s name remains redacted in the court documents. It’s unclear if any of the defendants have entered pleas. AZ Family reports Young told a judge he intends to represent himself in court.

Authorities allege Vega was abducted from the parking lot of her Tempe apartment on April 16, 2023. Her body was found the next day inside a burning vehicle. Court records cited by AZ Central, NBC News, and AZ Family indicate that Vega suffered blunt force injuries and a gunshot wound. Disturbingly, bleach had also been poured down her throat.

According to a medical examiner’s report, Vega was still alive when the car was set ablaze — with smoke inhalation listed as the official cause of death.

Investigators say Vega was due to testify in an armed robbery case involving Young on the very day her body was found. She had previously told authorities Young robbed her at gunpoint after her shift at a Phoenix strip club in October 2020.

Prosecutors allege Young paid two people to help dispose of the vehicle Vega was found in. They also say he was tied to plane tickets purchased by the two other suspects, further linking him to the plot.

Vega’s obituary remembered her as a high-achieving student, a talented violinist, and a fiercely protective friend who always stood up for those in need.

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