Candace Craig, 44, and her 19-year-old daughter, Salia Hardy, were arrested for murdering 71-year-old Margaret Craig of Landover, Hardy’s grandmother and Craig’s daughter.
According to a press release from the Prince George’s County Police Department, police were asked to conduct a welfare check for Margaret since the caller hadn’t heard from her in days. Division III Landover police officers arrived at the home located on the 200 block of Hill Road and knocked on the door. Candace answered and allowed the officers to check the house.
When officers searched the basement, they noticed the stench of a body decomposing and notified the Homicide and Evidence Units.
PGCPD claimed the case was one of the most gruesome ones they’ve worked on after learning what the mother and daughter did to the older woman.
Police believe Candace murdered Margaret on May 23, 2023, after some argument ensued. She then included her daughter, Hardy, to help her dispose of the remains.
The two mutilated Margaret’s body and attempted to burn the body pieces by grilling her.
Candace and Hardy are in the custody of the Department of Corrections. Candace was charged with first and second-degree murder. Hardy was charged with accessory.
“The detectives of the Homicide Unit will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and that both suspects are held accountable for their cruel and criminal behavior,” Major David Blazer, Commander, Major Crimes Division, said in the press release.
Jessica Garth, Assistant Chief of Special Victims, told Fox that the fire department was called around May 27 about the fire that Hardy and Candace started to dispose of Margaret’s body.
The medical examiner’s office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“It is possible that some of the evidence was destroyed that we may need to determine the exact way she was taken from us,” the spokesperson said. “I think it’s safe to say this case will be ruled a homicide.”
