Jury selection begins in Durham for 2012 murder of UNC student Faith Hedgepeth

Key points

• Jury selection started at 10 a.m. on September 28 at the Durham County Courthouse.
• Faith Hedgepeth, a 19-year-old UNC sophomore, was found dead in her apartment on September 7, 2012.
• Miguel Salguero-Olivares was arrested in September 2021 after a DNA match from an unrelated traffic stop.
• Judge Keith Gregory ruled that evidence suggesting a third party was responsible must be addressed outside the jury's presence.
• The trial is expected to last approximately four weeks due to the volume of evidence.

Background

Faith Hedgepeth was a junior biology major from Hollister, North Carolina, who was weeks away from turning 20 when she was killed. Her case remained unsolved for nine years, drawing national attention through various true crime documentaries and podcasts. The investigation involved extensive DNA analysis and FBI profiling, with authorities eventually identifying Salguero-Olivares through genetic genealogy and a subsequent DNA match. The family maintained hope for a breakthrough throughout the long investigation.

How outlets are covering it

WRAL.com and ABC11 News both emphasize the lengthy timeline of the case, noting that the trial is expected to last several weeks. ABC11 News highlights the challenge of finding impartial jurors due to the case's extensive publicity, citing retired Judge Carl Fox. WRAL.com details the pretrial ruling by Judge Keith Gregory, which restricts the defense from arguing that someone other than Salguero-Olivares committed the crime unless supported by evidence. News & Observer provides background on the various media coverage of the case, including TV shows and podcasts that discussed the murder before the arrest. All sources agree on the basic facts of the arrest and the start of the trial but differ in their focus on the legal proceedings versus the media history.

Why it matters

The trial represents a significant milestone in a high-profile case that spanned nearly 14 years, involving a young university student and a complex investigation. The outcome will determine justice for Faith Hedgepeth and her family, who have waited over a decade for resolution. The case also highlights the use of advanced DNA techniques in solving cold cases and the impact of media attention on jury selection.

What to watch

The trial will proceed with the presentation of evidence over the next several weeks. The defense and prosecution will present their cases, with the judge's pretrial ruling limiting certain arguments. The jury will ultimately decide the fate of Miguel Salguero-Olivares, who faces charges of murder, first-degree burglary, rape, and first-degree sexual offense.