A man has been charged in connection with the brutal death of a stripper, who was found beaten, shot, and burned. This tragic incident occurred on the day she was set to testify against him for a robbery from a few years back.
Cudjoe Young, 29, now faces charges of murder, arson, and other crimes related to the death of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, an exotic dancer from Phoenix. She was discovered in a torched car alongside the Arizona Highway in 2023, according to reports.
A few years earlier, Vega had identified Young as a suspect in an armed robbery incident that took place at an apartment in Phoenix on October 12, 2020.
Young was subsequently charged with armed robbery, and tragically, Vega was supposed to testify against him the day of her death.
Authorities reported that Vega was last seen leaving her apartment on April 16, 2023, before being found in the back seat of a burning Chevrolet Malibu on the roadside.
In a horrifying detail, investigators shared that bleach had been poured into her face and throat.
Additionally, two other dancers from Club Vega were also victims of a robbery tied to suspects matching Young’s description. He has been charged in one case but pleaded not guilty.
In November, a second suspect, 22-year-old Senser Hayes, was arrested on first-degree murder charges related to this case.
Young now faces serious charges including first-degree murder and armed robbery, with his situation complicated by recent developments. He previously had a trial for robbery set for Tuesday but dismissed his lawyer and chose to represent himself, which has postponed proceedings.
A third suspect, Jared Gray, is also implicated and is awaiting extradition from Georgia to Arizona, according to prison records.
