PHOENIX, Arizona – Five high-profile murder investigations in Arizona from 2023 remain unsolved, leaving many unanswered questions and families desperate for closure. Authorities are appealing for information from the public to assist in solving these cases in order to prevent them from becoming cold cases.
One of the cases involves the murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, whose body was found burned in a car off the I-10 in Tonopah. She had been shot, hit in the head, and had bleach in her throat, but was still alive when the fire started and died from smoke inhalation.
Another case is that of Grant Griffiths, whose murder was revealed after a house fire in Prescott Valley. It was discovered that he had been shot multiple times before the fire was started. Griffiths’ daughter is urging anyone with information to come forward.
Desiree Rivas, a 17-year-old, was shot dead in May while trying to leave a graduation party near Tolleson. The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.
The Holvig Mystery Homicide Case involves the disappearance and subsequent discovery of Chad and Dalton Holvig. Dalton was found shot multiple times in a Goodyear home, while Chad was found dead inside, along with another individual named Anthony Vayne. The case remains shrouded in mystery.
Lastly, Hans Schmidt, a religious leader, was shot while preaching on a street corner in Glendale. Despite video evidence of the incident, there have been no arrests made in connection to the attempted murder.
These cases highlight the need for the public’s help in providing information to solve these murders and bring closure to the families of the victims. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.