HENRY COUNTY, VA — A judge in Henry County declared a mistrial for Adam Hughes, the man charged in connection with the 2023 murder of his fiancée, Laura Cardenas, after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict during a two-day trial that started on January 15, 2025. The jury informed the court on the morning of January 19 that they were deadlocked and unable to come to a decision.
The case stems from the disappearance of Laura Cardenas, reported missing in October 2023. Hughes, who was Cardenas’ fiancé, became the prime suspect when investigators found human blood inside his home on Kings Mill Road. This discovery led to his arrest in November 2023, with charges including second-degree murder and concealment of a dead body.
Despite the lack of a verdict, the case is far from over for Hughes. “The jury’s inability to reach a unanimous verdict means Mr. Hughes has not been acquitted or convicted. He will face retrial,” said Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney Andrew Nester. The retrial is scheduled for September 2025.
Following the mistrial, Hughes’ friend, Donna Digiacomo, publicly voiced her support for him, expressing frustration with the prolonged legal process. “That means he is going to be in jail for two years before he can ever get out because no one will admit they have the wrong person,” Digiacomo said, referring to the ongoing legal proceedings.
Hughes is now facing an upgraded charge of first-degree murder in the upcoming retrial. The case continues to draw attention as authorities and the community await new developments in the investigation.
The mystery surrounding Cardenas’ death remains unresolved as law enforcement continues to search for more answers.
