The Murder of Margaret Craig

State's Attorney Braveboy confirmed at sentencing that Margaret Craig was asphyxiated by her daughter. The defense at trial argued that the cause of death could not be determined given the condition of the remains, contending that "we have no idea how Margaret Craig died."

The prosecution maintained that the evidence established asphyxiation and that Candace was responsible. The jury accepted the prosecution's account and returned a first-degree murder conviction, finding sufficient evidence of premeditation.

Candace Craig and Salia Hardy used a chainsaw to dismember Margaret's remains the day after the murder. A chainsaw with human remains still on the blade was recovered by investigators during the search warrant execution. Prosecutors also noted chainsaw boxes as photographic evidence presented in court.

The state medical examiner's office received nine bags and several paint cans containing Margaret's remains. The scale of the dismemberment and the deliberate placement of remains across multiple containers indicated extended and calculated effort to conceal the crime.

Four days after the murder, Candace and Hardy attempted to burn Margaret's remains in a fire pit behind the home. The fire spread out of control and five to six neighbors helped extinguish it without seeing the remains. Candace also used a charcoal grill to attempt to destroy portions of the body, adding seasoning in an effort to mask the odor.

State's Attorney Braveboy specifically cited the use of seasoning as evidence of deliberateness and intentionality when rejecting any insanity defense argument. The burn site was later identified by investigators behind the home.

Audio recordings of Margaret calling her bank, distressed about money being taken from her accounts, were played in court. Prosecutors also played audio that appeared to be Candace posing as Margaret in calls to financial institutions. Investigators established that Candace continued collecting Margaret's pension and Social Security payments after her death.

The financial motive was central to the prosecution's theory: Candace killed Margaret after Margaret discovered the theft and threatened to report it, and then continued collecting her benefits afterward to maximize financial gain. This conduct demonstrated both motive and ongoing criminal intent.

Officers entering the basement on June 2 found blood and tissue near three white plastic trash bags; one open bag contained brain matter and dismembered remains. A knife observed on the floor disappeared while officers briefly left the basement, suggesting Candace removed it. A subsequent search warrant recovered a chainsaw with human remains, cutting utensils, and cleaning materials.

Blood spatter was found throughout the basement. The odor of decomposition was immediately apparent to officers upon entry, consistent with remains present for ten days. A large fire stain in the woods behind the home was consistent with the burn attempt described by Hardy and confirmed by the neighbor witnesses.

Salia Hardy testified across two days at trial, describing in detail the events she witnessed and participated in. She told the court she heard Margaret scream before Candace told her about the murder. She described discovering her grandmother's remains in a blue bin in her own bedroom and helping her mother attempt to dispose of the body.

Hardy also testified about purchasing the gas can, charcoal and lighter used in the burn attempt. She told the court she was lying to everybody except the police. State's Attorney Braveboy credited Hardy's testimony as playing a critical role in securing Candace Craig's conviction. Hardy has a developmental disability and was found to have been easily coerced.