Former Investigator Testified in Hedgepeth Murder Trial
The former lead investigator faced questioning about evidence that was left behind at the 2012 crime scene.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Former lead investigator Johnnie Britt testified in the murder trial of Miguel Salguero Olivares. The proceedings in Durham focused on scrutiny regarding evidence handling from the 2012 death of 19-year-old UNC Chapel Hill student Faith Hedgepeth.
Why it matters
The testimony highlights challenges in the long-running investigation as the defense challenges the rigor of initial evidence collection. This focus on procedural gaps is central to the ongoing trial as the state seeks to secure a conviction for the 2012 killing.
Miguel Salguero Olivares is currently facing trial for the 2012 murder of Faith Hedgepeth. The court is reviewing investigative actions taken in the case, including testimony regarding items from the scene that were not initially processed.
The players
Johnnie Britt
She is the former lead investigator who provided testimony regarding the initial processing of the crime scene.
Faith Hedgepeth
She was a 19-year-old student at UNC Chapel Hill whose 2012 death is the subject of the ongoing murder trial.
Miguel Salguero Olivares
He is the defendant currently on trial for the 2012 murder of Faith Hedgepeth.
The details
During cross-examination, Britt addressed why certain items, including a hand towel near a bathroom sink and a bathroom trash can, were not collected as evidence. The court also viewed body camera footage from a 2021 interview where investigators told the defendant they were 100 percent sure of his involvement.
Timeline
Faith Hedgepeth was killed in 2012.
Investigators spoke with Miguel Salguero Olivares on September 16, 2021.
Legal Context
The trial represents a critical phase in the 2012 Faith Hedgepeth murder investigation that has spanned over a decade. This testimony marks the latest progression in the judicial process following years of investigation into the case.
The high-profile nature of the trial draws significant attention to how local authorities manage cold case evidence over extended timelines. Residents should be aware that the ongoing trial may cause periodic changes in traffic or security protocols around the Durham courthouse.
The takeaway
The scrutiny of evidence collection serves as a reminder of how crucial documentation is for long-term criminal investigations. Observers should watch for how the jury weighs these procedural challenges against the other evidence presented by the prosecution.
Further reading
Learn more about local legal proceedings on the Law Enforcement page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC11 Raleigh-Durham.
