Man convicted of murder and rape 14 years after UNC student's death

A jury convicted Miguel Salguero Olivares of first-degree murder, rape, sexual offense, and burglary on Friday, October 23, 2026. The verdict came 14 years after Faith Hedgepeth was beaten to death in her off-campus apartment in September 2012.

Olivares, 33, was arrested nine years after the killing following a traffic stop for driving while intoxicated. Prosecutors said a DNA sample he provided matched evidence from the crime scene.

“Today it got very real. Nevertheless, I say it without reservation, I forgive Miguel for what he did.”

Jurors deliberated for six hours over two days before reaching their verdict. Olivares did not testify during the trial, and his attorneys called no witnesses.

The judge sentenced Olivares to life in prison without parole on the murder charge. He also received 45 to 65 years on the other charges.

Faith Hedgepeth's mother, Connie Hedgepeth, told the judge she forgave her daughter's killer long ago. She said her heart aches for his family and that the act was senseless and cruel.

Faith's father, Roland Hedgepeth, said losing his daughter felt like having his heart ripped out. He said he forgives Olivares without reservation.

Defense attorney James Rainsford called the parents' statements powerful and kind but chose not to speak about his client or his client's family.