Daughter of woman accused of killing and dismembering elderly mother expected to testify

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Candace Craig, the Maryland woman accused of dismembering her mother in 2023, will soon see her daughter and an alleged accomplice appear in court Wednesday as prosecutors release more details about something that probably led to horrible actions. .

Craig is on trial in Prince George’s County for the May 23, 2023, murder of her mother, Margaret, over a dispute over credit card fraud. Candace’s daughter, Salia Hardy, was accused of helping Candace try to cover up the crime and was later arrested on related charges.

In dashcam video released in court Thursday, Candace allegedly told police that the chemicals found on the ground came from a spill made by Hardy.

Ahead of Hardy’s testimony, the court heard tapes of Margaret’s conversations with her bank, frustrated that money appeared to be withdrawn from her account. County authorities initially charged Candace with the crime after Margaret threatened to tell the authorities about Candace’s actions.

“I don’t have any money to pay the bills,” Margaret said during the taped conversation.

Prosecutors also played audio of Candace pretending to be Margaret trying to move money.

As for the crime itself, police and prosecutors believe they used a chainsaw and other objects to dismember Margaret before attempting to burn her body by placing the remains in several sacks. According to the state medical expert on Thursday, nine bags and several cans of paint were sent to the office of the Chief Medical Examiner in connection with this case. Photos were shown in court and 7News watched as one person left the courtroom.

Margaret’s nephew David Wilson previously testified that he was looking for “Aunt Joyce” but found a large patch of fire in the woods on May 29, 2023. The police will conduct their first health check on May 31, 2023.

A small knife, cutting implements, cleaning supplies and a foul odor were present in and around the basement when police conducted a second wellness check on June 2, 2023, according to court documents. Prosecutors showed photo evidence of boxes for chainsaws in court.

This story is evolving. Stay with 7News for the latest information.