True Crime Garage - Episode Angel #333 /// Part 2 /// 799: In-Depth Summary

Release Date: November 7, 2024

Hosts: Nick and the Captain

Introduction

In Episode Angel #333 /// Part 2 /// 799 of True Crime Garage, hosts Nick and the Captain delve deep into the harrowing case of Mercedes Vega, a young woman whose abduction and subsequent murder have left the community reeling. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the case, exploring past incidents, potential suspects, and the ongoing investigation's complexities.

Case Overview: The Abduction and Murder of Mercedes Vega

The episode begins with Nick outlining the grim details of Mercedes Vega's case. Mercedes, a 22-year-old woman, was abducted from a parking garage in Tempe, Arizona. Her vehicle, a 2019 white Dodge Charger, was mysteriously moved and abandoned outside a local restaurant, igniting suspicions about the perpetrators' intentions.

Nick [03:40]: "We have her car that's missing. That's another great mystery of this case."

Key points discussed include:

• Location of Abduction: Parking garage near Mercedes's apartment.
• Vehicle Details: Initially missing, later found abandoned near First Street and Farmer Avenue.
• Suspicious Activity: Movement of Mercedes's vehicle suggests premeditation in the abduction process.

Mercedes Vega’s Previous Attack (October 2020)

Nick and the Captain draw parallels between Mercedes Vega's case and a previous incident involving her. In October 2020, Mercedes was violently attacked in a similar setting, an event that significantly altered her life.

Nick [10:41]: "This means that, as the perpetrator, you are now on a shorter list of people who could have conducted this crime."

Details of the previous attack:

• Date: October 12, 2020
• Circumstances: Mercedes was leaving her shift at a local gentleman's club when she was confronted by a masked assailant demanding her keys, handbag, and phone.
• Aftermath: Mercedes relocated, changed her routines, and remained determined to aid the police in capturing her attacker.

Identification of Suspect: Cudjoe Young

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Cudjoe Young, a suspect with a troubling criminal history that potentially links him to Mercedes Vega's murder.

Nick [17:11]: "We can't say that he perpetrated the robbery on her 100%, but we know the result."

Key insights about Cudjoe Young:

• Criminal Record: Involved in multiple armed robberies, including one targeting Mercedes in 2020.
• Connection to Vega's Case: Mercedes identified Young from a photo lineup before her tragic death.
• Current Status: As of November 2023, Young faces serious charges, including involvement in a large-scale drug operation and multiple robberies.

Connection Between Robberies and Homicide

The hosts explore the intricate connections between the robberies that Cudjoe Young was involved in and the murder of Mercedes Vega. They speculate that Young’s actions might not be isolated incidents but part of a more extensive criminal pattern.

Nick [21:04]: "He is playing the system... He keeps using every card that he has up his sleeve to delay... his inevitable conviction."

Key points include:

• Pattern Recognition: Similarities between attacks on Mercedes and another victim a month later.
• Modus Operandi: Use of firearms, targeting individuals in vulnerable positions, and attempting to obscure the abduction location.
• Possible Retaliation: Speculation about the motives behind Mercedes's murder, potentially linked to past confrontations or attempts to silence her cooperation with authorities.

Investigation Challenges

Nick and the Captain discuss the numerous obstacles faced by law enforcement in solving Mercedes Vega's case. These challenges range from handling multiple crime scenes to delays in releasing critical information to the public.

Nick [32:11]: "That's the flip in this situation where here we look..."

Challenges highlighted:

• Multiple Crime Scenes: Leveraging evidence from the parking garage, the abandoned vehicle, and the final location where Mercedes was found.
• Delayed Information Release: Frustration expressed by Mercedes's family over the late disclosure of the vehicle's details.
• Limited Public Information: Speculation that authorities might be withholding crucial surveillance footage or DNA evidence to strengthen their case.

Family’s Involvement and Plea for Information

The episode emphasizes the unwavering support and activism of Mercedes Vega's family. They are actively seeking public assistance to bring justice to their daughter by offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

Nick [43:05]: "There is a statement out there... taken by at least two people."

Key elements:

• Public Appeal: Encouraging individuals with information to contact Silent Witness anonymously.
• Reward Offers: Financial incentives for tips that lead to arrests or convictions.
• Safety Concerns: Acknowledging the fear that witnesses or informants might feel when stepping forward against dangerous individuals.

Conclusion

In their concluding remarks, the hosts express cautious optimism about the ongoing investigation. They acknowledge the dangers posed by the suspects and the complexities of piecing together the events leading to Mercedes Vega's murder.

Nick [36:02]: "But he's playing the system... he's using every card that he has up his sleeve to delay..."

Final thoughts include:

• Potential for Solving the Case Soon: Signs that law enforcement might be close to a breakthrough due to accumulated evidence.
• Danger Posed by Suspects: Highlighting the threat that suspects like Cudjoe Young and his associates pose to the community.
• Call to Action: Urging listeners to remain vigilant and share Mercedes's story to aid the investigation.

Recommended Reading

To gain a deeper understanding of similar tragic events and the complexities surrounding them, Nick recommends:

"The Lewiston Shootings and An All American Tragedy" by Robert Conlin

• Synopsis: This book explores the harrowing events of October 25, 2023, when a deeply troubled individual unleashed terror in Lewiston, Maine, at a local bowling alley and sports bar. The narrative delves into the red flags leading up to the attacks and the broader implications for community safety.

Nick [49:10]: "Find that recommendation and many more on our website's recommended page @TrueCrimeGarage.com"

Final Thoughts

Episode Angel #333 /// Part 2 /// 799 of True Crime Garage offers a thorough and engaging exploration of Mercedes Vega's tragic case. Through meticulous analysis and heartfelt discussion, hosts Nick and the Captain shed light on the complexities of the investigation, the potential suspects involved, and the crucial role of public assistance in solving such heinous crimes. The episode serves as both a tribute to Mercedes Vega and a call to action for justice and community involvement.

For more detailed discussions and updates on true crime cases, subscribe to True Crime Garage on Patreon or Apple Podcasts. Continue to support the show by sharing Mercedes's story and providing any information that could aid in bringing her perpetrators to justice.