Daughter and granddaughter charged after 71-year-old Maryland grandmother was killed, police say

A mother and her teenage daughter have been charged in connection with the murder of their 71-year-old grandmother in Maryland, police said.

Candace Craig, 44, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, while her 19-year-old daughter Salia Hardy has been subsequently charged with aiding and abetting, according to a report press release released by the Prince George’s County Police Department on Saturday.

Based on preliminary investigations, police believe the victim is Margaret Craig. Candace Craig is Margaret’s daughter and Hardy is her granddaughter.

Police advanced on a house in the 200 block of Hill Road on Friday afternoon and conducted a social check on the 71-year-old after a family member said he hadn’t heard from her in several days.

Craig opened the door and allowed officers to enter the home to search for her mother. A smell of decay in the basement triggered an investigation by the Homicide and Evidence Division, police said.

Based on preliminary evidence, police believe Craig killed her mother on May 23 and her daughter Hardy tried to help dispose of the body the next day.

A motive for the murder is being investigated.

“Homicide investigators will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that both suspects are held accountable for their cruel and criminal conduct,” said Major David Blazer, commander of the Major Crimes Unit.

Both Craig and Hardy are in the custody of the Correctional Services. It is not clear at this time if they have legal counsel.

The chief medical officer’s office will confirm the victim’s identity and investigate the cause of death.

Prince George’s County Police are asking anyone with information relevant to the investigation to come forward.