This browser does not support the Video element.
Suspect in Tempe woman's murder extradited to Arizona
The third suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a Tempe woman whose body was found inside a burned car off I-10 nearly three years ago has been extradited to Arizona to face charges.
PHOENIX - The third suspect arrested in connection with the murder of a Tempe woman whose body was found inside a burned car in Tonopah nearly three years ago has been extradited to Arizona to face charges.
Jared Gray was jailed in Georgia on an unrelated probation violation before he was transported to the Valley. He made his initial court appearance overnight in Phoenix.
The backstory:
In April 2023, Mercedes Vega's body was found in a burning car off Interstate 10. The medical examiner's report indicated she had been shot, had bleach in her throat, and ultimately died of smoke inhalation.
Two other suspects, Sincere Hayes and Cudjoe Young, also face murder charges in Vega's death.
Last month, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced they would seek the death penalty against Young and Hayes. Young had previously been identified by Vega as a suspect in a separate armed robbery case.
It's unclear if they will also seek the death penalty against Gray.
Mercedes Vega: Parents support death penalty in case of daughter murdered in burning car
Maricopa County prosecutors have announced they will seek the death penalty for Sencere Hayes and Cudjoe Young, the two men accused of the April 2023 murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, who was found shot in a burning car.
What's next:
Gray is being held on a $4 million cash bond and is scheduled to be in court next week for his arraignment. He's accused of first-degree murder and kidnapping.
Jared Gray (MCSO)
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from Jared Gray's initial appearance in Maricopa County Superior Court and a FOX 10 report on Dec. 4, 2025.