Jury returns guilty verdict after 9 years and 9 days of investigation

Miguel Salguero Olivares was found guilty on Friday in a Durham courtroom. A jury returned verdicts of first-degree murder, rape, sexual offense, and burglary in the 2012 death of Faith Hedgepeth, a University of North Carolina student.

The investigation concluded after nine years and nine days of active work. State Bureau of Investigation records show that more than 25 special agents collaborated with the Chapel Hill Police Department on the case. Agents followed thousands of leads and conducted hundreds of interviews. They also collected and tested more than 400 DNA samples. The agency stated it never classified the matter as a cold case because investigators continued to pursue evidence throughout the period.

Judge Keith Gregory addressed the court immediately after the decision. He invited members of the Hedgepeth family to speak. Gregory noted that his own son is one year younger than Faith. He told the family, "We're not supposed to watch our children leave this earth before we do."

Connie Hedgepeth, Faith's mother, spoke to the court. She said, "I'm just glad that we have the closure we need. I have peace and I forgave." She described the crime as a senseless and cruel act. She thanked the Durham County District Attorney's Office, the Chapel Hill Police Department, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the jurors.

Other relatives also addressed the court. Alexis Evans, Faith's niece, said the family would no longer carry uncertainty into the holidays. Schylar Steverson, another relative, said she was a high school junior when Faith was killed. She described feeling unsafe at college afterward but said the verdict brought healing. She stated, "Today I take back that power."

Roland Hedgepeth, Faith's father, spoke to the convicted man. He said Olivares had no right to take his daughter's life. He said his faith requires him to forgive and that he would pray for repentance. He recalled that Faith never judged him and always loved him unconditionally.

Chip Hawley, director of the SBI, released a statement praising the agencies involved. He called the case monumental in the agency's history. The SBI said the case is now used to train new agents at the SBI Academy. A press conference followed at the Durham County Courthouse on Friday afternoon. Durham County District Attorney Satana Deberry, the Chapel Hill police chief, and the Hedgepeth family made statements.

Sentencing is scheduled for a later date. The family left the courtroom after the afternoon press conference.