Candace Craig and her daughter Salia Hardy have been arrested for allegedly murdering Candace’s mother and Salia’s grandmother, Margaret Craig, following the discovery of a body in the basement of their Landover, in Maryland.
The police launched an investigation last week after a caller who had not spoken with Margaret for several days requested a welfare check. According to FOX5DC, during the investigation, officers detected the odour of decay in the basement, where they later discovered the corpse.
According to investigators, Candace allegedly murdered her mother on May 23, and the next day, Salia aided Candace in attempting to dispose of the body.
“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,” said Major David Blazer, Commander, Major Crimes Division.
Margaret is believed to have recently threatened her daughter that she would go to the police and report her for fraudulently using her credit card, although the motivation for this crime remains unknown.
Both Craig and Hardy are in custody of the Department of Corrections. It’s unclear if they have entered pleas or retained attorneys.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is asked to call detectives with the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-516-2512.
The news of this abominable crime has shook the community, prompting many to wonder what could have prompted a mother and daughter to commit such a heinous act. Candace has been accused with first- and second-degree murder, whereas Salia has been charged with accessory after the fact.
As more information emerges, it is evident that this calamity has left an indelible mark on those who knew Margaret Craig and her family. It is difficult to comprehend how someone could harm their own family member in such a manner.
Maryland Crime Statistics
Maryland’s crime rate has been a heated topic of debate in recent years. While the number of property crimes per capita has consistently remained below the national property crime rate, Maryland still experiences more violent crime than the US average. Maryland reported 24,215 violent crimes in 2020, or 400 per 100,000 residents, which is only marginally higher than the national rate.
These statistics may contribute to residents’ sentiments of insecurity, even though their state matches the national average for violent crime. Even though Maryland’s property crime rates are lower than the national average, package theft remains a major concern. Only three cities in Maryland submitted data to the FBI, making it difficult to accurately compare crime rates throughout the state.
Nevertheless, according to the report State of Safety in Maryland 2023, 55% of respondents identified gun violence as a safety concern, with 13% having experienced it within the past year. Only 36% of Marylanders report feeling safe in their state. Since 1975, Crime in Maryland has been published annually and functions as a valuable resource for understanding the state’s crime trends.
In 2020, the crime index total changed by -15.35 percent when compared to 2019. Although this is a positive sign, it’s important to keep in mind that there is still work to be done in addressing crime in Maryland.
