Gray Demands Separate Trial and Bond Cut | Phoenix News

Jared Gray, one of three accused in the brutal murder of 22-year-old Mercedes Vega, is demanding a separate trial and a massive bond reduction — moves prosecutors fiercely oppose, warning that splitting the case would unfairly burden Vega’s grieving family. Found dead in April last year with horrific injuries, Vega may have been targeted to stop her from testifying in a prior case. Evidence like phone logs and credit card records point to Gray being recruited by the others to carry out the crime — though his defense insists he’s not directly linked and deserves a standalone trial to avoid “guilt by association.” The judge will rule this Thursday, while Vega’s family pleads for the court to deny Gray’s requests, fearing more trauma and legal delays as the other defendants’ trial looms for fall 2027. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3584ae26c65ae048