Maryland police have arrested a mother and her 19-year-old daughter for killing the family’s grandmother and attempting to conceal her remains. 

The Prince George’s County Police Department reported that Candace Craig, 44, and Salia Hardy, 19, are now facing charges connected to the death of 71-year-old Margaret Craig, which occurred at a residence in Landover last month.

In response to a concerned 911 caller who said he had not seen Margaret Craig in a while, officers conducted a welfare check at the home on June 2. Candace Craig greeted them at the door and granted them entry to search for Margaret Craig. Upon entering the basement, the officers immediately detected the odor of human decomposition, as stated in a release by the Prince George’s County Police Department. The preliminary investigation, supported by additional evidence and interviews, points to Candace Craig as the perpetrator of her mother’s murder on May 23. The following day, Hardy allegedly assisted her mother in disposing of the remains. It is reported that the duo used a chainsaw to dismember Margaret and burn her remains on a charcoal grill. Evidence of human remains, blood and materials used in the murder and cleanup were found at the scene. 

The motive behind the murder is unclear and is presently under investigation. 

Candace Craig faces charges of first and second-degree murder, while Hardy has been charged with being an accessory after the fact. Both individuals are presently in custody. The medical examiner will verify the victim’s identity and determine the cause of death.