Mercedes Vega murder suspect pleads not guilty at arraigment

PHOENIX - The man accused of killing a Tempe woman whose body was found in a burning car pleaded not guilty during his arraignment hearing on Dec. 4.

Sencere Hayes, 22, is accused of killing Mercedes Vega and dumping her body in the desert. Vega's body was found in a burning car along Interstate 10 in April 2023.

Investigators say Vega was taken from her apartment before being beaten, shot and burned.

Hayes is accused of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and auto theft. He was extradited to Arizona after being arrested in Tennessee in November.

He made his initial court appearance last week in front of a Maricopa County Superior Court judge. He is currently jailed on a $2 million bond.

Sencere Hayes (left) and Mercedes Vega (right)