NewsLocal News

Actions

New 911 calls and report released in Mercedes Vega's murder case

The 22-year-old was found in a burning car in Tonopah
Screen Shot 2024-05-08 at 10.01.49 PM.png
Posted
and last updated

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office released new 911 calls and an initial incident report in the Mercedes Vega case. The 22-year-old was found in a burning car in April 2023. Over a year later the family still has no answers.

"The pain of losing your child is the worst pain you could ever experience ever," said Vega's mom Erika Pillsbury.

Vega's parents Erika and Tom Pillsbury spoke with ABC15 as they grapple with that pain. This week, the couple are in Hawaii to remember their daughter.

"I'm hoping and praying that when we do spread her ashes in two days that it will be peace knowing that she is where she wanted to be," said Tom.

Null

Do you have a concern in your community or a news tip? We want to hear from you!

Connect with us: share@abc15.com

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

It's been over a year after Vega was killed and there are still no arrests.

"We've had no closure and very little peace," said Erika.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said the 22-year-old was found in a burning car off of Interstate 10 near Tonopah in April 2023, but that car wasn't her own.

"My child is dead," said Erika at a walk to honor Vega in April. "She was burned alive. She had bleach in her throat."

“Trying to report a car fire it’s off on the side of I-10,” said a 911 caller in newly released audio from MCSO.

That caller, who was a passing truck driver, said he saw flames inside the car.

"I believe I saw at least one person outside, yes," the caller told the 911 operator.

The report said multiple agencies ended up at the scene, along with first responders. It also said the car that Vega was found in was a 2018 Chevy Malibu.

Vega's parents told ABC15 their daughter's car was found near First Street and Farmer Avenue in Tempe, not far from where she was living.

Her parents said they were aware MCSO was going to release the 911 calls. They hope that, in the future, the Sheriff's Office will release more information or a call to the public that would help the case.

"Well if you're gonna release something, why don't you release the video of her walking to her garage?" asked Erika.

They believe their daughter was taken from her apartment complex parking garage. The two even showed ABC15 surveillance video that’s now on flyers they’ve put up.

"Where's the investigation? Where's our closure? Where's our justice?" asked Erika.

Vega's parents told ABC15 they don't think enough is being done in their daughter's case. Family and friends continue to push for information and answers.

ABC15 reached out to MCSO Wednesday to ask if there are any updates or any persons of interest. MCSO said they were working on a response. ABC15 also asked why a report detailing the investigation was not released, they said this was "in order to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation."

The Sheriff's Office shared some information in April as family and friends held a walk to honor Vega.