PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The mother of Mercedes Vega said she feels a renewed push for justice after prosecutors announced they are seeking the death penalty for two men accused of torturing and killing her daughter.

Erika Pillsbury says she and her family have endured a long, painful fight for accountability.

Vega was found in April 2023 in a burning car off Interstate 10 near Tonopah . Detectives said she was shot and beaten, had bleach poured down her throat , and was set on fire while still alive.

“I wait in grief, and I wait in pain, and I wait impatiently,” Pillsbury said. “But second by second and inch by inch, I feel we’re getting closer.”

Earlier this week, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office confirmed that capital punishment is wanted for Cudjoe Young and Sincere Hayes

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