by A woman is accused of killing her mother inside the family’s Maryland home and trying to hide the remains with the help of her 19-year-old daughter, police said.
The woman, 44-year-old Candace Craig, was charged with first- and second-degree murder, while her daughter, Salia Hardy, was charged with being an accessory after the fact, Prince George’s County police said. Press release Saturday.
Police believe the victim is Margaret Craig, based on a preliminary investigation. Candace Craig is Margaret’s daughter and Hardy is her granddaughter.
Police went to a home in the 200 block of Hill Road in Landover on Friday afternoon for a welfare check on the 71-year-old woman after a family member said they hadn’t heard from her in several days.
Craig opened the door and allowed officers into the house to search for his mother. A smell of decomposition in the basement prompted an investigation by the evidence and homicide units, police said.
Based on preliminary evidence, police believe Craig killed his mother on May 23 and that her daughter, Hardy, tried to help dispose of the body the next day.
A reason is being investigated.
“Homicide Unit detectives will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and both suspects are held accountable for their cruel and criminal behavior,” said Maj. David Blazer, Major Crimes Division Commander.
Craig and Hardy are in the custody of the Department of Corrections. It is not clear if they have lawyers.
The chief medical examiner’s office will confirm the identity of the victim and investigate the cause of death.
Prince George’s County Police ask anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward.
