Candace Craig, a Maryland resident, is currently facing murder charges for allegedly killing, dismembering, and attempting to burn her mother’s remains in a backyard fire.
Prosecutors contend that Candace’s motives stemmed from her mother, Margaret Craig, threatening to report her for allegedly stealing money from her bank account.
The trial, which began on October 30, saw Candace’s daughter, Salia Hardy, take the stand as a key witness. Hardy admitted to being an accessory after the fact and provided details about the events surrounding her grandmother’s death.
According to Hardy’s testimony, the conflict began when Margaret accused Candace of stealing money from her account. Court recordings revealed Margaret’s frustration with her bank over missing funds, stating, “I don’t have money to pay my bills.” Prosecutors also played audio where Candace allegedly impersonated Margaret to authorize a money transfer.
Hardy recounted finding her grandmother’s body in a blue bin with a trash bag over her head and blood on the carpet.
When confronted, Candace suggested burning, using acid, or dismembering the body. Hardy testified that Candace purchased gasoline, grilling supplies, and a chainsaw from Amazon to carry out the gruesome acts.
Investigators discovered evidence in the basement, including a small knife, cutting utensils, cleansing materials, a foul odor, a chainsaw with human remains, blood spatter, and cleaning supplies
If convicted of first-degree murder, Candace Craig faces life in prison without parole.
