The discovery of a body in the basement of a home in Landover, Maryland has led to the arrest of Candace Craig and her daughter Salia Hardy, who are accused of killing Candace’s mother and Salia’s grandmother, Margaret Craig.
Police launched an investigation after a welfare check last week was requested by a caller who had not spoken to Margaret for several days. During the investigation, officers discovered the smell of decomposition in the basement, where they later found the body, per FOX5DC.
According to investigators, Candace allegedly murdered her mother on May 23, and the following day, Salia helped her mother attempt to dispose of the remains.
The news of this horrific crime has shaken the community, leaving many questioning what could have driven a mother and daughter to commit such a heinous act. Candace has been charged with first and second-degree murder, while Salia has been charged with accessory after the fact.
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As details continue to emerge, it is clear that this tragedy has left a lasting impact on those who knew Margaret Craig and her family. It is difficult to comprehend how someone could harm their own family member in such a way. While the motive behind this crime remains unclear, it’s believed Margaret had recently threatened her daughter that she’d go to the police and report her for fraudulently using her credit card.
Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Maryland’s crime rate has been a hot topic of debate in recent years. While the number of property crimes per capita has consistently remained below the national property crime rate, Maryland still experiences more violent crime than the US average. In 2020, there were 24,215 violent crimes reported in Maryland, or 400 for every 100,000 people, which is only slightly higher than the national rate.
These statistics may contribute to residents’ feelings of insecurity, even though their state matches the national average for violent crime. Despite property crime rates being below the national average, package theft remains a top crime concern for Marylanders. It’s important to note that only three Maryland cities submitted data to the FBI, making it difficult to accurately compare crime rates across the state.
However, according to the State of Safety in Maryland 2023 report, 55% of respondents named gun violence as a safety concern, with 13% having experienced it in the past year. Only 36% of Marylanders report feeling safe in their state. The annual release since 1975, Crime in Maryland reports crime statistics and serves as a valuable tool for understanding the state’s crime trends.
In 2020, the crime index total changed by -15.35 percent when compared to 2019. Although this is a positive sign, it’s important to keep in mind that there is still work to be done in addressing crime in Maryland.