CHARLOTTE — The mother of a woman, who was killed six years ago, is expected to take the witness stand on Tuesday in the trial of two men accused of killing her.
Mary Collins was stabbed more than 100 times, CMPD said.
Her ex-boyfriend, Lavi Pham, along with James Salerno, are both charged in her killing.
Police found Collins’ body stuffed in a mattress inside a NoDa apartment.
It’s the same apartment that Collins’ grandmother testified she searched with the suspects themselves. During that time, she said they didn’t allow her in a back bedroom.
Trial coverage:
- Jury selection begins in NoDa woman’s murder
- Opening statements begin in trial for men accused of killing woman in NoDa apartment
“I was yelling Mary’s name,” said Mia Alderman, the victim’s grandmother. “I was like, ‘Let me look in there,’ and she said, ‘No, you’re embarrassing me. My friends are in there.’”
Collins’ body was in that room, prosecutors said.
In court on Monday, Pham’s defense team pointed the finger at Kelly Lavery, Pham’s girlfriend at the time, saying she’s the one who stabbed Collins.
Lavery pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2022.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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