Global Courant
A mother and her teenage daughter have been charged in connection with the murder of his 71-year-old grandmother in Maryland, police said.
Candace Craig, 44, was charged with first-degree murder and second-degree murder, while her 19-year-old daughter, Salia Hardy, was later charged with complicity, according to a press release published Saturday by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
Police believe the victim is Margaret Craig, according to a preliminary investigation. Candace Craig is Margaret’s daughter and Hardy is her granddaughter.
Police came to a home on the 200 block of Hill Road on Friday afternoon to conduct a welfare check on the 71-year-old after a family member said he had not heard from her for several days.
Craig, 44, answered the door and let officers into the house to look for her mother. A smell of decomposition in the basement prompted an investigation by the homicide and evidence units, police said.
Based on preliminary evidence, police believe Craig killed her mother on May 23 and her daughter, Hardy, tried to help dispose of the remains the next day.
A motive for the murder is being investigated.
“Homicide detectives will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that both suspects are held accountable for their brutal and criminal conduct,” said Major David Blazer, Major Crimes Commander.
Both Craig and Hardy are in the custody of the Department of Corrections. It is not clear at this time whether they have legal representation.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s office will confirm the identity of the victim and investigate the cause of death.
Prince George’s County Police are asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward.
