Prosecutors Sought to Exclude Defense Evidence in Murder Case
The legal battle over evidence in the 2012 murder of Faith Hedgepeth continues in Durham ahead of an upcoming trial.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Prosecutors have moved to exclude specific defense evidence in the murder trial of Miguel Salguero-Olivares. The case involves the 2012 killing of Faith Hedgepeth, for which jury selection is set to begin in September 2026.
Why it matters
The outcome of these pretrial motions could fundamentally alter the scope of the trial, as both sides dispute the impact of lost forensic samples. The proceedings reflect the challenges of prosecuting cold cases more than a decade after the initial crime.
A judge has ruled that cameras are permitted during witness testimony while simultaneously excluding evidence tied to investigative genetic genealogy. A motion to dismiss the case was previously denied.
The players
Faith Hedgepeth
She was a university student who was murdered in her apartment in 2012.
Miguel Salguero-Olivares
He is the individual currently facing murder charges for the 2012 death of Faith Hedgepeth.
Keith Gregory
He is the judge presiding over the pretrial hearings and upcoming murder trial in Durham.
Karena Rosario
She is an individual mentioned in a written statement that the judge has ruled will be excluded from the jury.
The details
The defense has highlighted concerns regarding an untested bloodstain from a bathroom door frame, alleging that a former forensic specialist failed to properly update her report. While the judge ruled that jurors will not hear analysis of a written statement involving Karena Rosario, he did permit arguments regarding a pen found at the crime scene.
Timeline
Faith Hedgepeth was murdered in 2012.
A judge heard pretrial arguments in August 2026.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 21, 2026.
Jury selection for the trial begins on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This case illustrates the complexities of litigating cold cases that rely on aging forensic records and evolving investigative techniques. It follows a national trend of using pretrial motions to refine the boundaries of admissible evidence before high-stakes murder trials.
The public in Durham will be able to follow the trial via televised witness testimony, as the judge has ruled cameras are permitted in the courtroom. Residents should remain aware that the trial proceedings may cause localized logistical changes around the courthouse.
The takeaway
Pretrial rulings are critical in long-term cold cases because they determine which historical forensic data can be used to establish a timeline for the jury. Success in these cases often rests on how well the prosecution navigates the evidentiary gaps left behind by initial investigators.
What happens next
Jury selection for the murder trial is scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more background on legal developments in the region, visit the Sex Crimes section.
