PHOENIX — Prosecutors with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said they intend to seek the death penalty against another suspect in the murder of Mercedes Vega.

The attorney's office previously said it would seek the death penalty against Sencere Hayes . Now, it also intends to seek the death penalty against Cudjoe Young.

Both have been charged with first-degree murder, among other felonies.

“I believe the death penalty is an appropriate sentencing consideration for the jury for these two defendants,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “We will continue to pursue justice for Mercedes Vega and her family.”

Vega was 19 years old when she was robbed in the parking lot of her Phoenix apartment complex in October of 2020 as she was coming home from work at a club, records show. A man

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