Daughter Dismembers Her Mother With A Chainsaw

In a deeply disturbing case that has garnered national attention, a woman is accused of the horrific crime of dismembering her mother’s body and attempting to grill the remains. This shocking incident has raised significant concerns about mental health, family dynamics, and the potential warning signs that may have been overlooked.

The case came to light when neighbours reported unusual activity and a foul odour emanating from the home. Police responded to the scene and discovered evidence suggesting that the daughter had engaged in the gruesome act following a reported altercation with her mother. The crime scene revealed attempts to dispose of the body in a manner that has left the community in disbelief.

Candace Craig, aged 46, is currently on trial for the alleged murder of her mother, 71-year-old Margaret Craig. The police discovered Margaret’s remains in trash bags in the basement of her Hyattsville home in May 2023.

During two days of testimony starting on Wednesday, October 30, Craig’s 21-year-old daughter, Salia Hardy, who has pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact, testified that the incident occurred after her grandmother accused her mother of stealing money from her bank account.

On the day of the incident, May 23, 2023, Hardy recalled hearing a scream from inside the house and her mother instructing her to stay away from her grandmother’s bedroom.

Craig allegedly told Hardy that if she ended up in jail, Hardy should “look out for her sisters,” as Hardy testified,

Hardy testified that during a confrontation with her mother, her mother allegedly suggested disposing of the body by burning it, using acid, or chopping it up. Hardy told the jurors that a few days later, after purchasing grilling supplies and a can of gasoline from Home Depot, Craig attempted to burn the body behind the house. However, the attempt failed when neighbours noticed the spreading fire and alerted the fire department.

The day after the incident, Hardy testified that she entered her grandmother’s room and discovered the victim’s body in a bin, with a trash bag over her head and blood on the carpet.

Hardy confronted her mother, who allegedly suggested disposing of the body by burning it, using acid, or chopping it up, as Hardy recounted on the stand.

Hardy told jurors that a few days later, after purchasing grilling supplies, including a can of gasoline from Home Depot, Craig attempted to burn the body at the back of the house. However, the attempt failed when neighbours noticed the spreading fire and alerted the fire department.

The following morning, Hardy and Craig brought the remains back inside after they had cooled down.

Craig then allegedly ordered a chainsaw from Amazon and used it to dismember her mother’s body in the basement, Hardy testified.

Police were called to the residence on June 2, 2023, for a welfare check after a neighbour reported the victim missing. Upon arrival, officers detected the smell of decomposition and noticed blood near three white plastic garbage bags.

Investigators later allegedly found a chainsaw with human remains on it, along with blood spatter and cleaning supplies in the basement, as stated in the charging documents.