In a harrowing case that has shocked the local community in Charlotte, North Carolina, two men have been convicted for the brutal murder of Mary Collins, a 20-year-old woman who had a cognitive disability. The gruesome crime took place in March 2020 and has brought to light severe issues regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals.
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Mary Collins disappeared on March 30, 2020, after she was reported to have gone to visit friends. Her family grew increasingly anxious for her safety as time passed, particularly given her cognitive disability. Tragically, her body was located on April 4, 2020, hidden inside a mattress in an apartment located in a northeast suburb of Charlotte.
The jury’s decision on October 12, 2023, found Lavi Pham, 27, and James Salerno, 26, guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and concealment of death, leading to their immediate sentencing to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The severity of their crimes was highlighted by District Attorney Spencer Merriweather III, who stated that the court would not tolerate such heinous acts.
Collins was described in court as a young woman who aspired to form friendships. On March 28, 2020, Collins was lured to the home of Pham and his girlfriend Kelly Lavery after a rideshare was arranged for her. Prosecutors indicated in their statements that the two men had ulterior motives, premeditated plans to engage Collins in sexual activities, and allegedly drugged her to achieve this aim.
The situation escalated on March 29, 2020, when Salerno and a mutual friend, America Diehl, visited the apartment. After Diehl fell asleep, Pham’s aggression took a tragic turn when Collins continued to refuse their advances. Prosecutors allege that Pham struck her on the head with a heavy glass liquor bottle, leading to further violence.
In an act of unimaginable cruelty, Collins was stabbed over 130 times by the three individuals present at the scene before her body was intentionally concealed. Following Collins’ death, her body was wrapped in plastic, placed inside garbage bags, and hidden within a mattress in an attempt to mask the horrific odour. The details surrounding the crime have led to significant outrage and disbelief from the local community.
Subsequent to their actions, the suspects were apprehended after Salerno boasted to a witness about the events that transpired during the fatal party, revealing that Collins had been tied up and beaten before being hidden away. Pham and Salerno’s attorneys have expressed intentions to appeal the convictions, asserting the innocence of their clients.
Mary Collins’ family has bravely shared their grief during the trial, with her grandmother, Mia Alderman, addressing the court after the verdicts were announced. She expressed the hope that her granddaughter’s spirit remains untainted by the evil actions of the defendants, stating, “Mary is pure light… Their evil can never touch Mary or her soul.”
Lavery, the girlfriend of Pham, previously accepted a plea deal for her involvement in the crime. She pleaded guilty to several charges, including second-degree murder, and was sentenced to a prison term of 25 to 32 years. Meanwhile, America Diehl is awaiting trial, scheduled for December.
This case has triggered discussions regarding the protection of individuals with cognitive disabilities and the importance of community vigilance against such vile acts. The sheer brutality of Collins’ murder has shaken not just her family but also the wider Charlotte community, raising urgent calls for enhanced measures to safeguard vulnerable populations from similar fates.