Community keeps faith for clues in UNC student's death
The Native American Haliwa-Saponi tribe celebrated and mourned Saturday in Chapel Hill. The theme of their annual pow-wow was "Keeping the Faith," and the community is doing just that while law enforcement continues to investigate the death of one of their members.
That faith is Faith Hedgepeth, a 19-year-old University of North Carolina junior, found dead Sept. 7 in her off-campus apartment. Although authorities immediately said they don't believe her death was random, they have yet to make an arrest or even release the cause of death.
"My dad and my brother stay in contact with the detectives, but they aren't able to give us any information yet," said Faith's sister, Rolanda Hedgepeth.
Faith's family joined in the music, dancing and traditional dress that characterized the pow-wow Saturday. They stood together, holding hands and fighting back tears when presented with a box of letters and notes from UNC students, faculty and staff.
"Your baby had and continues to have a long, positive impact on all our lives," Assistant Dean Marcus Collins told them.
"We're hoping to get some answers," Rolanda Hedgepeth said. "Pray they're coming soon."
The family, UNC and even the governor's office have combined to offer a reward of almost $40,000 for tips in the case.
Anyone who thinks they might have information that could help is asked to call Chapel Hill police at 919-614-6363 or Crime Stoppers at 919-942-7515.
