Chapel Hill Jurors Request DNA Summaries in Olivares Murder Trial

The jury in the trial of Miguel Salguero Olivares paused its deliberations on Thursday to review specific forensic documents.

After closing arguments concluded, the twelve jurors began their discussion that afternoon. They were sent home shortly after 5 p.m. and are scheduled to return to the courtroom in Chapel Hill on Friday morning. Before departing, the group asked the court for summaries of the latent fingerprint and DNA reports introduced during the trial.

The case involves the 2012 death of Faith Hedgepeth, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prosecutors argued that Olivares broke into Hedgepeth's apartment, sexually assaulted her, and beat her to death. They maintained that the forensic evidence overwhelmingly points to the defendant. The defense presented a different narrative. Attorneys argued that the two may have engaged in consensual sex. They noted that male DNA can remain inside a woman's body for several days. Defense attorney Jason Murphy urged the jury to consider whether investigators developed tunnel vision and overlooked other leads.

Irving Joyner, a professor at North Carolina Central University School of Law, observed that the jury's request indicates a focus on the DNA evidence. He stated that the panel went straight to the core of the case because it is the only evidence the state possesses. Without that evidence, he explained, the state's prosecution would collapse. If the DNA is undermined, the entire case is undermined. Joyner described the task as complex, requiring the jury to work within the judge's instructions. He predicted the group would not rush to a verdict.

Joyner also assessed the tone of the presentations. He said the defense effectively attacked the uncertainty in the evidence while maintaining a calmer demeanor. In contrast, the state conveyed the emotion of the case. He noted that the prosecution team included two women, and the jury includes nine women, which he believed would resonate with the panel. A new element emerged during closing arguments when prosecutors introduced a theory of motive. They alleged Olivares became upset and embarrassed after Hedgepeth rejected his advances outside her apartment. According to the state, she had just returned from a night out with her roommate. Joyner questioned why this theory appeared so late, noting it was not supported by witness testimony.

The jury will resume its work on Friday. Given the seriousness of the charges and the questions raised by the evidence, Joyner expects deliberations to continue beyond that day. He anticipated the twelve members would take time to reach an agreement.