Hedgepeth Trial Examines DNA and Evidence Handling

At Miguel Salguero-Olivares’ trial in Durham for the 2012 killing of Faith Hedgepeth, a state crime lab scientist testified that DNA from semen and sperm cells in vaginal and rectal swabs may match DNA on other evidence, including a Bacardi bottle described as the alleged murder weapon; testimony reported so far has not established that the profile belongs to Salguero-Olivares. The defense challenged how investigators collected and processed evidence, questioning why a hand towel and bathroom trash can were not collected or searched. Former lead investigator Johnnie Britt said she did not know why some items were omitted and, in hindsight, might have tested Hedgepeth’s vehicle gas cap, but said further testing would not undermine the DNA evidence already recovered. Testimony also addressed a palm print on a Riesling bottle near the bed; prints on the Bacardi bottle were too fragmentary for clear identification. Salguero-Olivares faces charges including first-degree murder, burglary, rape and sexual offense; Hedgepeth’s killing went unsolved for nine years before he was charged.