Episode 62: The Murder of Margaret Craig

From the moment a child is born, a mother’s life changes forever. She gives her love freely, her time unconditionally, and her wisdom piece by piece, hoping to raise a kind soul. She teaches right from wrong, instills values, and dreams of the day her child will walk confidently into the world — carrying a bit of her heart with them. And when they finally leave the nest, every mother hopes she’s done enough. That her child will thrive, find happiness, and maybe one day return — not in need, but in love. To visit. To care. To give back. Margaret Craig believed in that dream. At 71, she had spent a lifetime working hard, raising her family, giving all she had. She looked forward to quiet days, warm memories, and the comfort of being surrounded by those she loved. What she never imagined… was that one of them would turn on her. And as horrifying as that is… what came next was even darker. 

           

 

Sources:

NBC Washington – Maryland woman found guilty of murdering, dismembering her mother with chainsaw – Maggie More and Darcy Spencer – November 2, 2024 - Maryland woman found guilty of murdering, dismembering her mother with chainsaw – NBC4 Washington

NBC Washington – Woman’s daughter, granddaughter accused of her murder, dismembering remains with a chainsaw in Landover – Darcy Spencer – June 5, 2023 - Police: woman’s daughter, granddaughter killed, dismembered her – NBC4 Washington

CBS News – Mother and daughter charged after 71 year-old grandmother allegedly killed at home – Emily Mae Czachor – June 5, 2023 - Mother and daughter charged after 71-year-old grandmother allegedly killed at home - CBS News

Law & Crime – Mother tried cooking chicken to cover up smell of grandma’s murdered body, daughter testifies – October 31, 2024 – Jason Kandel - Mom tried to cook chicken to cover up murder scent: Daughter

WTOP News – Relatives describe what they saw in home of MD. Mother, whose daughter is on trial in her killing, dismemberment – John Domen – October 24, 2024 - Relatives describe what they saw in home of Md. mother, whose daughter is on trial in her killing, dismemberment - WTOP News

Law & Crime – ‘Cruel and criminal’: Mother and daughter charged after grandmother found decomposing in her own basement – Colin Kalmbacher – June 5, 2023 - Candace Craig, Salia Hardy charged in Margaret Craig's death

NY Daily News – Woman who killed, dismembered and grilled mom gets life sentence – February 20, 2025 – Muri Assuncao - Woman who killed, dismembered and grilled mom gets life sentence

CrimeOnline – Daughter who dismembered, cooked mother on charcoal grill learns fate – November 2, 2024 – Shanon Quaranta - Daughter Who Dismembered, Cooked Mother on Charcoal Grill Learns Fate – Crime Online