Abducted & Left In A Burning Car: What Happened To Mercedes Vega
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 лют 2024
- #AD Record and Edit videos with Riverside. Try Riverside for free today: creators.riverside.fm/KendallRae use code Kendall20 for an exclusive 20% off.
GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/reward-to-...
Instagram: honoringmer...
Tiktok: / honoringmercedesvega
Press Conference: • Family and friends of ...
A huge thank you to Erika, Tom, Alahzay, Makenzie, and Astilia for participating in this case. Their effort these last few weeks has made this episode possible, and I am so grateful for their time and energy.
A note from Erika to detectives:
Dear MCSO, FBI and the Great state of Arizona.
Your dismissive attitude towards my daughter’s murder is disgusting. The unimportance of her life is obvious. Your ignorance of reality and unwillingness to tell me why my daughter is gone pisses me off. If anyone deserves to know why she is gone, it’s me.
It’s been almost a year... Explain to me why you can’t give her mamma an answer as to why she is gone!!! Why can’t you tell the mamma of this beautiful woman why her baby is dead!?!?
Why do her siblings, cousins, grandparents, and her incredible friends continue to wait? No reason, no comfort, no answers?? Why do we have to continue to look over our shoulders for the killer of our loved one? Why are you not sharing details? Why aren’t you reaching out to the public for answers. Why are you unable to provide answers to these questions? Are you just ignoring us? Is she that unimportant to you? It can’t be that hard. I need you to find the ANSWERS!
Check out my latest documentary, 530 Days: • 530 Days Documentary: ...
Become a member of this channel to get access to perks:
/ @kendallrae
#TrueCrime #KendallRae #MercedesVega #Unsolved
True Crime with Kendall Rae podcast
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3rks84o
Spotify: spoti.fi/3jC66pr
Shop my Merch! kendallrae.shop
Donate to NCMEC: give.missingkids.org/campaign...
Check out my other podcasts:
Mile Higher (True Crime)
@milehigherpod
UA-cam: bit.ly/2ROzJcw
Twitter: / milehigherpod
Instagram: / milehigherpod
The Sesh (Current events, a little true crime, pop culture, and commentary)
bit.ly/3Mtoz4X
@the_seshpodcast
IG: bit.ly/3a9t6Xr
TW: bit.ly/2XH4C2A
Check out my brand, Higher Love Wellness: higherlovewellness.com/
Use code KENDALLRAE for 10% off your order (excludes bundles)
Follow My Social! @KendallRaeOnyt
Twitter: / kendallraeonyt
Instagram: / kendallraeonyt
Facebook: bit.ly/3kar4NK
True Crime TikTok: bit.ly/3VDbc77
Personal TikTok: bit.ly/41hmRKg
My Zoo: / milehigherzoo
Watch my documentary, Apartment 801: bit.ly/2RJ9XXr
REQUESTS:
General case suggestion form: bit.ly/32kwPly
Form for people directly related/ close to the victim: bit.ly/3KqMZLj
Join my discord to chat with other viewers about this video, its free! / discord
C O N T A C T:
For Business Inquiries - kendallrae@night.co
Send me mail
Kendall Rae
8547 E Arapahoe Rd Ste J # 233
Greenwood Village, CO 80112
Creator hosts a documentary series for education purposes (EDSA). These include authoritative sources such as interviews, newspaper articles, and TV news reporting meant to educate and memorialize notable cases in our history. Videos come with editorial context added bolstering educational and artistic value. - Розваги
Why can we not stop this perception that because a women dances or is a sex worker they’re not important. Their lives do matter and they are important. This is horrible!
100%
It is a dangerous lifestyle though. This was savage.
@@Platinum907the women working those jobs are usually quite aware of the risks involved. They still have to show up to work though, and it being dangerous doesn't diminish their value as a person and doesn't justify them being subjected to harassment or being murdered.
@@Platinum907It is , but at same time every crime should be treated equality regardless the victims’ background . This such a generic and cliche sentence …right ? However, I firmly believe it, simply because at the end of the day those scumbag just live out there freely, in the society. Meaning , they could be near children , families , friends etc . Also , meaning they could be people ‘s neighbours, their groceries store workers, their gas station workers , their teachers, their students , their dentists ..whatever. They could be ANYONE . Everyone involved deserves justice and the right to feel safe . Mercedes’ life matters and her family deserve answers .
Her disappearance has nothing to do w her being a sex worker either. It was legit the cartel. She got abducted 2 days before she was suppose to testify in court against someone
My brother is an Arizona state trooper in Peoria (only 23 miles from Tempe). Im going to ask him if theres anything he and his department can do to bring more attention to this case.
Let us know what he says x
Thank you! Iam sure the family appreciates you ❤
youre such an angel. i cant believe how theyre treating this horrendous case
God bless you! It’s beautiful to see that there are still kind hearted people❤️
Tell him to look into a group called midnight productions
I live in Tempe right next to campus. I remember hearing about this case and going to check my camera to see where I was that night. I was at a rooftop dinner right down the street from culinary dropout. It is so heart wrenching to think that just down the street, tragedies were occurring. I am more than willing to spend my time going to these places and requesting footage, as well as making posters with the case information on it, in hopes that it reaches the right people. I cannot believe that more people don’t know about this case, but I am not surprised as this area is horribly dangerous, and college girls like me that live here are not as aware as they should be. From what it sounds like, Mercedes was very aware and intuitive and tried her hardest and still didn’t make it, which just goes to show how dangerous this place can be. To the family of Mercedes, I am extremely sorry and please let me know what I can do to help.
us girls have to stick together. i love that you are doing as much as you can to help this case
It’s very important to keep safe as well when going into finding evidence, but I truly think this is gonna have to be solved by people rather then police sadly
This case i only heard of once. Here. This is the second time I've watched this. I was a dancer in Ft Lauderdale in my early 20s, like she was. I know some of the scams that ppl used to pull on dancers. This seems so personal. This apartment complex is removing flyers, and that makes no sense. This sounds like trafficking to me. Someone knows.
I am a local AZ influencer & actively watch the news & have not heard about this case. I cant believe it. I will def share with my audience!
The removing of the flyers at the complex and the weird coincidence of the timing makes me think someone who works in the complex is involved they could have watched the cameras and notified their accomplices when she was leaving. Especially if other women at the complex reported weird activity and the feeling of being watched. This case is so frustrating and tragic. Prayers for her family and that this is solved soon.
you might be right, what a horrifing thought.
this does make sense
I have a feeling it could be someone who worked at her apartment too! They said it could’ve been someone who she turned down and it would make sense they the workers KNOW where the security cameras can see and where the blind spots are at 👀😳
Wouldn't surprise me
If this is true. Several years back I was almost taken. and looking back it seems like same thing your saying about the complex people being involved although I couldn't prove it I'm almost positive it was in my situation. This was metro PHX area.
ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings and NEVER Be alone people study people observe routines. And can have easy access I won't ever give permission signature on paper to enter my apt when I'm not there. If I was in that situation always carry protection and go with your gut instinct no matter what . I thank Yah everyday that I'm alive and well.
We are in times where these evildoers are becoming more brave to try something in plain sight and in shopping centers parking lot NEVER Walk ALONE IF YOU ARE ALONE WAIT until a few people or a group goes by walk with them to get where your going if your alone don't park so far away even if you have to wait it os better to be safe than sorry
@@gigibrown3202This is literally so frightening! I’m so glad you’re okay.❤️❤️
The fact that there is so much evidence just lying around waiting to be collected and the police decided to ignore everything horrifies me!
Right??!!!! So scary!!! Where is the sense of urgency!!!!
I hate when it feels like police Pick and choose who to help
All cops are useless
Cops are useless
It’s also most likely that the police are involved in some way. The more I listened to this it sounds more and more like the police or some type of or someone affiliated with this. If it’s human trafficking it’s also highly likely that people with power are involved. Because there’s no way nobody has been caught.
also the fact that the cops aren't cooperating makes me wonder if there protecting someone.
Same
I'm thinking the same thing... It's fishy.
Same 😢
That's what I thought too
Most definitely, there are police part-taking in human trafficking.
This case is absolutely horrifying. Please do an update video WHEN these murderers are caught, because they have to be.
This case should have been a slam dunk with all of the cctv
This family NEEDS the funds to hire a PI. How heartbreaking.
Right, I was thinking the same thing. Especially since the police are being shady. I think someone from the force had to be involved. It's begin covered up by their own.
oh shoot... what if the warning was for her MOM??? In the video KR mentioned the mom worked with the counties sherifs office so she knows there are license plate readers. What if it's to get back at the mom??? Anyways... this is all weird, def a set up.
@@whimsyhead56I just said this. I believe wholeheartedly police are indeed involved and idk why people are scared to say that. I’m absolutely sure they are involved
@@bianca1683ableright like one of her regulars was a police officer. May have been married with children
COPS ARE EVIL
How does a garage that obviously has surveillance, not have the entrances and exits covered?
It most likely does. There’s probably a lot of other cameras too but for whatever reason information is being withheld it’s just bizarre and so frustrating.
my best friend and i used to live there , her apartment almost gotten broken into and they wouldn’t show us any footage , they don’t have any indoors and just like 3 on the outside around the office. and its so easy to follow cars into the garage they stay open until there’s no movement
Why isn’t the surveillance being looked at is more likely. 💔
@@kathleenp9643 hopefully, the police got the footage in time before it was recorded over.
I was thinking about that too.
After all of the hundreds of cases you’ve covered over the years, to see tears brought to your eyes really shows how much you care about every single person you talk about. ❤ bless you Kendall.
I can really tell this case really hit Kendall. It really takes a strong, kind, compassionate, empathetic woman like her along with her amazing team to make this video. I have nothing but respect for her and her team 🤍
I really appreciate when the families come on to talk about memories and stories on who they were as a person. This is HER story and it needs to be heard!
With such a horrific crime you’d think the PD would be all over this case AND assure the family and public that they’re doing everything they can. Her dad is 100% right that perception matters
Thought the same.
Yeah we’ve seen countless times (and a lot of stats show it too ) ,police officers behaving differently when the case is not about a typical American sweetheart. Police dismissing cases of economically disadvantaged ppl , disabled people , minorities, or people having a “non typical “ life style whatsoever, is unfortunately common . As much that they’re police officers who pour their heart and efforts in cases regardless the victims ‘ background, it doesn’t seem to be the case here . Very sad . Every victim should be treated equally.
If That girl was a College Student, They.would be.pulling.the City Apart. And who cares if that lovely young girl was a dancer. How.many.students have super daddy's .
@@chay2033❤
Unfortunately here in Arizona this is pretty common by the police force out here
Omg when her dad said that just cause she was a stripper they didn’t want to solve her murder. I was thinking the same since she had that entertainment card …. The cops were just judging it right from the beginning 😪
My thoughts exactly. Probably have the stereotypical “just another stripper” mentality. It’s so sad.
That’s not why.. the police don’t get involved w the cartel and that’s why she died
@Kayyb33, do you have solid proof It's the cartel?
As if none of them ever visited a strip club themselves
As if they aren’t a major demographic that frequent such establishments.
This is too upsetting. Why can’t family get phones records? I want the pictures of the “friends” she was talking to before she was abducted. The fact that they don’t even know where she decided to go that night is wild. Those “friends” know.
I'm wondering the same. Why can't they get the phone records? I feel like I missed something. So tragic
@@theresatamara361and her friend is acting so defensive like girl how do u not know u were the last to text her
The mom explaining when the cops went to her house….instant tears…what a nightmare…God bless that family 🙏🏼❤️
God bless ALL families. Not just hers sheesh
Working in a strip club, it's probably a client she's denied. Her murder was personal, not random. Or she saw sketchy shit going on in the club that she wasn't suppose to.
Could have been sexually motivated or even jealousy from another dancer. That kind of work can be competitive.
yeah I also think it's really likely that some obsessed creep and his friends killed her, some men are really fucking scary and dancers have to deal with those kinda men very often
unfortunately, I was also thinking about this. they need to look at every single person at that club. sex work, even something as mild as dancing, can put you in the crosshairs of really horrible things.
She danced on another state. Seems highly unlikely she’d be stalked across borders and then killed over denying a client sex.
It’s not just the men… I was roofied and robbed by two fellow dancers before.
How is it even legal for officers informing you of a death of a loved one to be vague about the cause of death? It just seems so insensitive and inhuman.
Bc they have no obligation to share that info, especially if they know it’s a homicide. They could be notifying the person who killed their victim! Ppl are killed by those who have a personal reason usually. Unfortunately it could be a parent, sibling, spouse & cops don’t know that right away. Cops don’t want to give info to the (possible) killer early on.
Plus, a lot of family members will say “tell me everything” but in reality, they could really internalize all the awful details & end up hurting themselves bc of the guilt, brutality, etc. And investigators know this-they don’t want to tell a mom or dad how horrific the murder is bc that’s the last memory they’ll remember, & you should want to remember the good, not the bad .
There’s something very off about the way the officers are hanging all this. They know more than they’re letting on. I dread to think if it was ever one of their loved ones
I hate to say it but this seems more than police negligence. I think there is some cover up going on.
@@yvie9627agreed. It’s gotta be either of the two negligence or cover up. I can understand withholding information to an extent, but to do that and not even question or investigate her friends/family just tells me there is something to hide. Whether that be the person who murdered her was one of their own or corruption in general, but it’s just fishy that quite literally everything has been so “hush hush” and purposefully delayed by the police.
That’s what I was thinking as well…. Aren’t they obligated to provide all of the info they know…. Other than details they want kept from the public to catch the killers
This is unbelievably evil. I was shaking my head throughout this entire listening. Prayers to her family 🙏🏿💔
i went to highschool with mercades. we graduated in the same class. i know the girls in the video. i see her mom posting on facebook all the time about this. breaks my heart. i didn’t know her personally but knew of her and my friends knew hers. i’ll be posting on my social media for her❤
I have never left a comment before and this is the only case that I have ever sent in a case request for but as a recent ASU graduate who is living in Tempe and around the same age as Mercedes it is SHOCKING to me how many people in Arizona have never heard of this case and how difficult it is to find information which is why I knew Kendall would be so helpful. I never met Mercedes but there is absolutely nobody who deserves something so horrific to happen to them and I’m so glad that the family was able to be given this platform. I am so happy that Kendall is getting this story out there and it’s really nice to know that her family is working so hard to bring justice. Unfortunately not the first time that az police have dropped the ball but from my experience they respond well under pressure so I’m hoping that this helps. Thank you so much Kendall!!!!!!
I have never sent a request either but I immediately did when I heard about this case a few months ago! Thank god Kendall is covering it. Someone has to know something.
I’m an AZ native and go to ASU and still had not heard of this case! Like what!
There's is a man who disappeared from my small town 17 years ago. I've lived here my entire life and have never herd of it until recently. I've never seen a flyer, nothing on the local news or paper. It's shocking! Not to mention, anyone I ask, has no idea what I'm talking about. 🤯
How do they NOT have a bunch of security footage and CCTV?! Surely that has to be in their files and just not public?
@@RavenNicole89 I believe they didn't even try to secure any evidence.
Born and raised here in Phoenix. Went to Arizona State in Tempe class of 2021. Never heard about this. My jaw is on the FLOOR. Thank you for speaking about this and spreading awareness.
You just made your page 5 hours ago, and your saying you have stuff like that? If its deleted material (if you're even telling the truth) maybe theres a reason why it was deleted??? I doubt you have any strings to Mercedes or her family so go somewhere else with your fake stuff@GJchannel580
It's weird that u made a channel just to make comments and post videos of her. Did YOU kill her???
@GJchannel580 you are disgusting. Take her shit down dude.
@GJchannel580thank you i’ll watch ❤
@GJchannel580and you wouldn’t pick a better picture? What a weirdo I won’t be watching how disgusting and disrespectful of you! 😡
Hearing that poor Momma relive the events around that time just broke my heart. Clearly so much love for her children... I can't imagine that level of suffering. 😢 I hope they get justice and peace, and SOON.
Thank you once again for covering cases that aren’t talked about enough!!
After being kept in the dark and invalidated about your daughters murder for so long, I can’t imagine the comfort something like this video can bring for the family. Thank you for spreading awareness of the injustice
Yeah, I don’t think there’s any “comfort” in it.
@@timeittakestoletgo1687I think the validation will definitely bring something to the family ❤
@timeittakestoletgo1687 they'll get comfort knowing we are listening and that we care.
Do the killers not have family and Friends? I mean, nobody called in to say "Hey this person I know doesn't have a car anymore, maybe its the one involved in the Murder? "
Right or they stole a car and they had to get reports of it being stolen. How are they not talking to the people she was supposed to meet?
Wait I thought in beginning they said she was found in her car? Oh that's what they told her!
It could be there of the association that you better keep your mouth shut, or the whole thing will get done to you 10 times worse. Come on let’s be real.
@r9340yes , but later, the video said the car she was found in, wasn’t hers . Her car was found randomly in a very public student parking lot .
The Idaho police held back on all information they had for a while before they announced a suspect. Maybe the Tempe police are doing the same. I hope they surprise us soon with an arrest
Im so happy you covered this story. I live around the Tempe area and I feel like no one is talking about it!
Taking a quick pause at 16:15 (will continue listening after this comment) to say that is a TOTALLY valid response from introverts with badddd anxiety. I try to make plans with people and the second they ghost i am like THANK GOD I CAN STAY INSIDE ALL NIGHT IN A COCOON. And then I text back HOURS later being like “i guess tonights a no go” at the exact time were it would be too late to rekindle plans and go out so i can use the excuse “oh well i tried” i know its not the best way to keep friends but my social anxiety is the worst!
I think they were supposed to meet because they said “guess you’re not coming”.
I thought it was a completely normal thing to text as well tbh. Can also be seen as a bit passive aggressive, by someone annoyed she didn't show up.
I am glad a larger channel is finally covering this. I have made several videos on this case.
Crimes of passion on that level are so personal. It’s definitely someone who knew her well in my opinion. The fact the police are making things difficult is suspicious too.
That’s why I found the point made the mother at 56:15 very powerful. If someone/ ppl know/ saw something they better say something now , otherwise their conscience is gonna eat them alive. If the people who did this are found guilty, they will for sure , face the death penalty. That’s how dangerous and violent they are . As Kendall said , this case has no right to go cold (at least for now ) ,because this is a very straightforward situation. We have someone who’ve been brutally murdered , in a specific way ,in a very specific area , in a specific time frame with tones of camera surveillance footages, as well as having text messages/ phone calls that are easily traceable. Come on now .
Probably another cop
i was just saying this is very suspicious .
Yes I totally agree. Something is not right at all. I can't believe I am just now hearing about this. Wow
This sounds like a cartel thing, which the police could be quiet because they are trying to hide it, OR because it's part of a way way bigger investigation. Most people don't keep 10,000 in cash in their apartment.
I absolutely love how u tend to make content on cases that are more unknown. I had absolutely no idea about this case and I live in Utah. It's crazy how this horrific murder hasn't been reported on constantly!! It's insane.
I live not far from Tempe and drive there two-four times a month and I’ve never heard of this case. Thank you for covering it and my heart goes out to her family and friends.
I live in AZ, the car was found 10 minutes from my house. My heart breaks over this whole case. I hope her soul is resting easy on the beach in hawaii😢🙏🏼💔
I live in AZ too. My husband had a classmate when he was in high school that the same thing happened to them. They never found the person that did it.
Right! I live in AZ too and I've never heard of this tragic case. My condolences to Mercedes family and friends 🕊️
from MI,,,,, but my brothers in AZ nearby, told him and his college friends to look at this video/gofundme and share it.
@@stacyq7656organized crime group that's why
I don't know if Mercedes' family will see this, but if they do, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. My cousin was murdered in May of 2023 and she still has not gotten justice either. My family and I know how difficult it is to live with the pain, the grief, the anger and the disappointment of not having answers. My heart hurts for everyone who knew and loved Mercedes.
Thank you❤. I’m hoping we all get justice! I am so sorry that you are a part of this painful community. May you find peace and answers soon.
Sadly, it's normal for these cases to take a year or two to be solved. This is 100% solvable. There's a lot of data the police need to go through and collate into a meaningful case. They can't risk family and friends corrupting the investigation.
The police can know who committed a crime for a while, but without irrefutable evidence they won't prosecute.
Not only does she matter, but this case matters because the kind of people who commit this type of violence will repeat it.
@@EloquentPirateI’m so sorry for your loss… your words brought me to tears more than once. I hope your family gets the justice and peace you deserve for your beautiful girl. ❤
@@chaoswitch1974this is more than that. Seems like a cover up.
Thank you for bringing the family in your podcast ! This was so refreshing to hear from her loved ones.
Mercedes’ case has put me in tears. I am praying she’s resting in peace. The ending just killed me. I too am spiritual and I journal very similar thoughts often. I relate to her so much and could feel a part of her within me when you read that journal entry. It’s the wildest thing.. She did not deserve to die in this horrific way and those people deserve to be behind bars until their execution date. It’s fuxking wild to me that police still haven’t done anything when footage is there!! It is extremely suspicious on their end imo
I'm from Phoenix and I've heard ZERO things about this case! Thank you for sharing!!
Same 😭
Same!! The lack of news about it out here is shocking!! How has it not been widely shared with warnings and a campaign to catch the murders?!?
There was nothing reported on the news. I found out about it through instagram. I’m in AZ too
I wasn’t informed by it by news sources but more from social media, especially from the Tempe area
Me neither but I’m not active on instagram so maybe that’s why
born and raised in phoenix and i knew mercedes personally thank you so so much for putting her name out there. everyone in the valley is so mad about how this whole thing has been handled by the authorities.
Someone replied in a comment here about a group called Midnight Productions?? I googled it and was instantly terrified…is this happening where you are??? Please research it and be safe. My god, the animals that did this to her are still out there.
So sorry for your loss, I’m praying for all of her friends and family to have strength and peace.
@jessica..yes please look our for the group/hang midnight productions. The more I heard about this case the more I believe it was their doing..they left their signature too..what time was she killed...midnight!! Also the fact that LE seems to have no videos PR really anything.. Because they probably know who it is and have been known to avoid prosecuting those sick fcks!!!! It all points to Midnight Productions
I'm so sorry for your loss, my heart is breaking for you & Mercedes' loved ones. Praying that justice will be served
I’m so sorry for your loss 🤍 Mercedes, had a wonderful group of friends and loved ones in her life and I can’t imagine losing such a beautiful soul. My daughter was born in 2000 so only a year older than Mercedes and I just can’t imagine what her family and loved ones are going through not knowing who did this!! My heart and prayers are with you all 🙏🤍🕊️
I'm so glad you covered this case! May the family find justice soon! ❤ 🙏🏼
I think if she was facetiming somebody, whoever it was with, set her up so Mercedes wasn't aware of her surroundings. Breaks my heart
I love what the mother said towards the end! “You are not safe!!” The city is not safe!!! Women in Tempe are not safe!!! The time to panic is NOW!!! PANIC!!! The police station should be full cops and investigators should be moving!! This relaxed and “we are working the case in private” attitude is how cases go cold and offenders offend multiple times! The time was 9 months ago but seriously the time to move is NOW!!
That's when the police start making themselves look guilty... In my opinion.
She says that now because it's her daughter that's dead. These murders been around in the city since forever.
She is RIGHT! I lived in Tempe decades ago, when I was a young Mom, with four children. Violence against women and children was RAMPANT then!
Women were told NEVER to walk in or out alone from any business or place by themselves. ( Like my ex would have cared.)
Just two blocks from our home, our grade school Principal's wife was R-PED outside of the school. Our church was a couple of miles away over in a private lakes community area-we were instructed NOT to walk in or out of the building without being accompanied by a male family member or friend.
One night, I heard a woman screaming and I called the neighbors asking if they heard as well. No one did, JUST ME. Then, I heard her SCREAMING outside of my home! I ran to the window and saw three men raping a woman on the sidewalk in front of my children's bedroom, I ran to my husband in bed and told him what was happening. He would do nothing. I threw the window up and yelled at those monsters to STOP R..PING HER~as I was CALLING THE COPS! We lived two minutes from the cops, and they DID NOT COME RIGHT AWAY~ The men grabbed the woman up and ran away with her. The cops said that " everything was fine and nothing was going on," when they found the "group."
I am here to tell you that even when you live in a nice place down there, the weird and the criminal come right into your yard and up to your windows~
@@bonnylouwho76i can't believe your husband did nothing😮 oh my God it's so scary
@@ayiti4009 Yeah, I couldn't either. He is no longer my husband a few years after that. He is an abusive, narcissistic person who then marries a woman that is worse than he is. They are a rich and destructive pair of people, very hard on their children, four of whom happen to be MINE.
This story makes me think it could be a police coverup by the way the parents were treated by them. This case needs to be investigated by someone who is not in that county…..period. 😢
that's where my mind goes - very much makes me think that someone on the force was involved in the crime itself. the tempe police have always been iffy
Yes, something doesn't feel right about this case.
Where is the FBI??
I just commented the same thing. It screams police cover up or someone with authority
Me too, police coverup, but the family keeps saying she must have known something and probably torture because she kept quiet. What is it that they think she knew. If true, was she into conspiracy?
This brought tears to my eyes. Stories like this truly make growing old feel like a blessing . To live life. Because so many are taken away from the world for no reason and so young. Bless these families hearts. I truly pray their pain eases soon.
Everytime her friends and family start crying I start sobbing with them- I can tell their loss is deep. I’ll be sharing this case. I hope she receives her justice❤️
What if people in that police department or someone connected to them frequented that nightclub and that’s why they’re taking forever to “figure it out”
This!!!
OR what if the police are investigating this crime as something bigger than what it is and they don’t want to tip off the people that did it so they are laying low until everything is gathered?
@@anonymouswombat9709 I can only
Hope that’s the real reason 🙏
@@anonymouswombat9709yeah, I also believe it is something more along these lines. I hate it when internet detectives start throwing out elaborate conspiracy theories and cover ups that make no sense in light of the facts presented. Not every crime is on camera and can be followed from A through Z. Occam's razor = the simplest explanation is usually correct. The police don't talk as much when they don't want people alerted. Sometimes they have to keep family in the dark for a while to get justice for them. This poor girl died horribly, too, and another simple explanation that may go hand in hand with the other is that there could possibly be info out there that might not reflect well on the Mercedes her family knew and remembers fondly. They might want to know 100% before they explain to the family. That would not be right to discuss with the family until you are completely certain that this info had an impact on the murder.
Same think I was thinking. This is strange
This sounds so similar to a Reno, NV woman, Anna Scott, who was found deceased in her car that was burned and found on side of the highway in March of 2022. They’ve never found who killed her. She was also shot and found in the trunk
Exactly what I thought of
I thought of that too.
u think they cld b related?
honestly yes, nevada and arizona are right next to each other that cant be a coicidence @@mt9729
Can we also make a video on her
I am so happy you posted about this, my friend danced with her at the clubs and has been posting weekly, but NOTHING has come up. I’m hoping that CrimeJunkies makes an episode as well.
After hearing how badly she was hit at the start(to the point of damaging her brain) I only hope that it knocked her unconscious/unresponsive and she was spared the active experience of what happened after. She seemed like something who could’ve made a very positive impact on the world, and I hope her family is able to find some thread of comfort
god, i was crying all the way through this one. the way her family and friends talk about her is so touching and warm, i hope to god that they find who did this to her and that her loved ones may know some peace some day
As always, thank you for brining more awareness to this case Kendall! To the family: I’m so so sorry. In my prayers, this is so heartbreaking
Thank you for making this video, you've helped share her story far and wide.The more eyes that see it means the better the chances of these people getting caught.
The way her parents talk about her as a child… I caught myself smiling the whole time. Jeez! What an amazing girl she must’ve been ❤️
@@snau-owctsjl that’s their business.
I love how you use your platform not only to share stories, but also putting your money where your mouth is. It’s inspiring!
Wow. This case just hits so hard... I ache so much for the family. I almost cried while watching this several times. This was a painful but important watch. Thank you Kendall for helping these families
Been in Gilbert/chandler Arizona since 2001. I cannot believe I have never heard of this case, it hits so close to home. This family deserves justice
I grew up with Mercedes. Thank you for covering this, really hoping your platform is able to bring answers.
I hope you're doing as okay as one possibly can under these circumstances ❤️
This case is so tragic. I’m glad you’re covering it.
Thank you so much for covering this, I live in the immediate area and everyone I’ve talked to about this case has never even heard of it!! I was absolutely mortified at the complete lack of coverage even in the local news :/ hopefully this helps spread the awareness her and her family deserve
The emotion from her parents and friends/family is so heartbreaking. But the support from them is amazing. The way even her dad talks about her dancing. You can tell how incredibly loved she is and how great of a person she was.
my best friend lived at the same apartment complex as her so i was always there - thank you for sharing this , the apartment complex has done nothing about it either. the apartment complex is sketchy and doesn’t help with anything weird that goes on , cars getting broken into, people breaking down doors, there’s really no cameras anywhere especially on the west side and it’s so easy to get into the apartments and garage. i fully believe someone took her from the garage and the others took her car.
I worked at The Aubrey when this happened and I promise you we fully cooperated with the police and gave them all the information we had. We just weren’t allowed to talk to the residents about it due to it being an open investigation. We did push to get more cameras, because I even felt uncomfortable working late especially after this happened. Unfortunately corporate wouldn’t approve it in the budget which I disagreed with but there’s only so much the staff can do. There’s a lot we didn’t know ourselves until it was on the news months later. Even watching this video I’ve learned more information.
I’m from Phoenix, Az and work in Tempe, and I’ve never heard about her story. Thank you for covering it and spreading awareness!
This story is so hard to listen to. My heart breaks for everyone who truly loved her,especially her parents and siblings 😢
im usually not emotional while watching these videos.. but i genuinely cried during this...its so heartbreaking
Let’s email and call the PD! They need to put their resources to solving this!
Unless they are involved
@@however02....yeah okay
@@mickeybell8933I truly wouldn’t be surprised if the police had knowledge of something shady at the club involving money or something, honestly. And it wouldn’t be the last time a crazy client was a cop.
@@however02I said the same thing. Cops are notorious for being at clubs so I feel the way they handled this case to me feels like they are either hiding something or trying to protect something or somebody
@@mickeybell8933there is no other reason for them to conceal so much…. Grow up. Open ur eyes.
It will always be so horrifying to me how some victims and families are treated with such disrespect and negligence by detectives and police. It’s so scary that respect and professional due diligence isn’t the standard practice for *everyone* equally. A traumatic event becomes so much more traumatic by the unfair treatment of the victims and family’s post tragedy. RIP Mercedes 😢
Also I used to live in Tempe and it’s definitely dangerous, but there are people EVERYWHERE and cameras EVERYWHERE there is no way that nobody knows anything.. so frustrating
Many of our employees over the last 3 years of business live in Tempe or the surrounding areas and I had never heard about Mercedes. Sending love to her family. I hope they never stop fighting for her
Omg, I’ve been thinking about this case since the very first time I heard about it. I’m so glad you’re covering it!
My husband sells the technology/equipment for parking garages, and let me tell you, they have a way of finding out who came and went. Not to mention the cameras.... Something is not right, with law enforcement not sharing more information.
I live in Arizona and 30 miles from tonopah and this is the first time I have ever heard of this case! This is absolutely devastating. Thank you for covering
I live in Tempe Arizona and I’ve lived here my whole life. Haven’t heard this story which is absolutely unreal. Disgusting. I pray they get justice and somehow find security cameras and figure it out.
What a sad story...... sending prayers to those affected.
This case definitely needs more coverage and justice needs to be served. RIP Mercedes Vega. My condolences to her family and friends.
So glad I found out you had a UA-cam channel. Because I love your true crime things.
My soul cried watching this. My heart goes out to this sweet young woman and her loved ones. I lost a loved one last year to an overdose and the grief gosh speechless take care.
thank you for covering this! I live here in Phoenix, Arizona and have so many friends that reposted the story to get the word out. I hope the killer is finally found. Prayers go out to the family!
I went to college in Tempe and lived there when this took place. I’ve been to the club she worked at numerous times. Probably a couple times while she was working. This is heartbreaking and shocking. Thank you so much for covering this case - it desperately needs more attention. Rest in peace Mercedes.
What was the name of the club?
This one truly hit deep. Thank you for covering this Kendall!! These sick people need to be caught!
I've watched/listened to a lot of your videos over the past couple months and this one really hit me. Condolences to her loved ones and hopefully my donation and everyone elses will help the family in getting the justice that Mercedes deserves.
Thank you for bringing light to cases like this and giving these souls a voice.
So many questions….
Did they dna swab her car??
Whose car is the one she was burned in??
Have the cops questioned the person texting her before this all happened???
They have to know more than they’re saying.
I’m so sorry for the family’s loss ❤ can’t imagine. I am a similar age in Vegas and can’t imagine the fear she felt
I had all the same questions. It seems to be a solvable case if they were asking any of the obvious questions. How the hell does this continue to go on?
Did they even check the cameras around the place where the car was left?
@@fc7307That’s what I was wondering! Like, this shouldn’t be so difficult to solve…… something is weird about the way the cops are dodging this case for sure smh
Was the charger swabbed for finger prints?
@@ashleymilden5946seems like the cops are hiding something
I wish her social media was still up. I feel like it would be key to check her comments or likes, to see if anybody said something suspicious in the comments.
I find it weird that it isn't tho
I am SOOO GRAETFUL AND GLAD you’re covering this case I remember hearing about it when it first happened & it hasn’t gotten the attention it so desperately needs!!!! One day there WILL be Justice!!!! 🥺🤞🏼♥️ my condolences to all of her family & friends I am so so sorry 🥺🥺🥺
The knock at the door to hear this news is one of the hardest things in the world. You never forget that day. We still jump when there are knocks and my dad has trauma that causes him to panic when he hears rumbling coming up our road after the sun goes down. It’s earth shattering. I also can’t explain how much it hurts to learn details about a loved ones death by reading an article or hearing a radio or news segment. There’s got to be more communication. No one should have to read or hear or see these things at the same time The rest of the world is.
This case breaks my heart on such a deep level....my cousin was found the same way, shot, in a burning car. This is horrific and I hope this family finds and gets justice ♥️♥️ my heart goes out to her friends and family.
I live here in Arizona and I go out to Tempe as my mom lives on the east side and I definitely heard about this case and I’m shocked that they still don’t have any leads or answers. Her family definitely deserves to know what happened to her and she deserves justice. I’m so glad that you’re covering this case Kendall. I love how much you care about victims and their families and how you dedicate your time to spreading awareness. It is really amazing the work that you do❤
My heart aches for family and friends.
Big big hugs to ya'll
It definitely feels personal. Also, someone who has to be close to her or maybe live in her complex. Because they had to know enough about her parking garage to know where the cameras are. I feel like it was more than 1 person, and I feel like at least 1 person lived in her complex. I hope this family gets justice for Mercedes
How in the world have I never heard of this case?? I live in Tempe and my daughter lives about 2 blocks away from her apartment complex. Thank you so much for covering this! Do you know where she danced? I hope her and her family get Justice soon!
she danced about a mile from where she lived, which definitely makes me think it was somebody who had previously followed her home/knew her schedule
That was the point. Making her found so easily. Her car as well. Just makes me wonder why move them at all. So strange!
Kendall has the best voice for this type of podcast. Just discovered you and love your work ❤
I wonder if someone in the sheriffs office has something to do with it
Maybe the police are covering for one of their own.....
Exactly, it’s so fishy
This is the first time I'm hearing about this case and what happened to beautiful Mercedes. Even though it was incredibly disturbing to listen to I thank you for sharing❤
As a grad student - im always behind on watching your videos - but it brings me immense joy to look at the gofundme pages when I get to watch and see how much money and love this unity gives the family. It really brings me to tears. I hope you all find your answers.
This is so heartbreaking. She’s the same age as my older sister, meaning that I can imagine what her friends and family are going through. RIP Sweet Angel
Wow. I was living in Tempe when this happened, I'm now a little more North. Have not heard one word about this tragic case!!
How do I live so close to this and haven’t heard of this until now?! So scary and so sad. I pray there’s a break and they get justice for this beautiful soul.
Hi Kendal! I love your videos! I was wondering if you could cover the Jessica Ridgeway case because I found that one interesting. Love you! ❤
i lived right down the street from her and was also a dancer when this happened. her club was directly across the street from my apartment. rip and hopefully they catch who did this
Be careful out there 🙏
@@solene2014bad for what?
Did you know her? Did she say anything about having enemies, stalkers, creepy club guests that you know of?
@@fc7307no i didnt know her. i followed her on instagram & twitter for awhile before this. some dancers are involved in shady stuff tho. i wouldnt be surprised if somebody from work set her up for this. a girl from this club burglarized my friends apartment while she out of town. its crazy cuz its definitely one of the most upscale clubs in the phoenix area but i remember hearing about girls getting followed and robbed otw from work, etc a lot a couple years back.
@@fc7307no i didnt know her. i followed her on insta/twitter for probably a couple years before this happened. i actually found out from my friends, they asked me if i heard plantsnpleasers was killed. but some dancers are involved in really shady stuff. a girl who worked here actually burglarized my best friends apt while she was out of town a few months before this. this club is considered pretty upscale but i used to hear about girls being followed home and robbed from here pretty often awhile back.