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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — The trial of Candance Craig, the Maryland woman accused of killing and dismembering her elderly mother’s body, ended today with the defense and prosecution presenting their closing arguments.

Candace Craig is on trial in Prince George’s County after she was accused of killing her mother Margaret Craig on May 23, 2023, over an argument over credit card fraud. Candace’s daughter, Salia Hardy, was accused of helping Candace try to cover up the crime and was later arrested on a related charge.

FRONT COVER | The daughter of a woman Md testifies. accused of killing, dismembering an elderly mother

Coleman reminded the jury of evidence showing Candace Craig was stealing her mother’s pensions and Social Security income. She says Margaret found out about the theft and made efforts with her bank to protect her money.

The allegation is that Margaret Craig confronted her daughter and that is why the murder took place.

Before Hardy’s testimony, the courtroom heard recordings of calls Margaret made to her bank, frustrated by money apparently being taken from her account. County officials initially charged Candace with the murder after Margaret threatened to tell the authorities about Candace’s actions.

“I don’t have any money to pay my bills,” Margaret said on the call recordings.

Prosecutors also played audio of what sounded like Candace posing as Margaret trying to move money.

According to the prosecutor’s office, this is how the dismemberment is explained.

Lawyers say Candace Craig tried to cover up her mother’s death by dismembering her so Social Security and pension payments would continue.

Police and prosecutors speculate that a chainsaw and other objects were used to dismember Margaret before attempts were made to burn her body, placing the remains in several bags. Nine bags and several cans of paint were received by the chief medical examiner’s office in connection with the case, according to a state medical examiner Thursday. The photos were displayed in court and 7News observed one person leaving the courtroom.

The prosecution concluded its closing arguments by asking the jury to find Candace Craig guilty on all charges.

FRONT COVER |The daughter, accomplice in the murder of Md. the grandmother recounts more gruesome details in the process

In closing arguments for the defense, Candace Craig’s attorneys said that while she does not contest the dismemberment charge, Craig is not guilty of first-degree murder.

The defense claims “we have no idea how Margaret Craig died”.

This idea was expanded upon with a PowerPoint titled “Reasonable Doubt.”

The defense attorney brought up Candace Craig’s live-in boyfriend named Bennie. Bennie was described as a drug dealer, the defense questioned how he knew nothing about an alleged murder in the cottage where he lived.

This is a developing story. Stay with 7News for the latest updates.