CHARLOTTE — Testimony resumed Monday in the trial of two men charged in the 2020 murder of 20-year-old NoDa woman Mary Collins.
A medical examiner testified about how Collins’ body was found inside a mattress in NoDa. The jury heard expert testimony as the two suspects stand trial for Collins’ murder, six years after her death.
The jury was also shown difficult evidence Monday, including autopsy photos that brought Collins’ loved ones to tears in the courtroom, as well as the father of one of the defendants.
Collins’ body was brought to the medical examiner’s office wrapped in layers. The outer layers were black trash bags. Under those were layers of duct tape.
TRIAL COVERAGE:
- Body camera footage shown in NoDa murder trial of Mary Collins
- Mother recounts learning daughter’s body was found as NoDa murder trial continues
- Jury selection begins in NoDa woman’s murder
- Opening statements begin in trial for men accused of killing woman in NoDa apartment
An autopsy technician testified Collins was wrapped “like a mummy.” The technician said there was so much tape that underneath it was another layer of black trash bags. When those were cut back, Collins’ body was revealed with stab wounds from head to toe.
The technician testified Collins was bound by duct tape around her mouth with socks tied around her neck. Her pants were around her ankles.
The jury also heard details about the autopsy process. The technician testified that Collins’ autopsy took his entire shift.
Former Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner Technician Jacob May testified, “He took a pair of scissors to uh start opening up the duct tape because there was no way to peel it there was so much at this point. he was trying to document that there were also trash bags on the inside of the duct tape before you even got to the body.”
Earlier in the day, the jury saw photos taken by crime scene investigators at James Salerno’s home.
Investigators found black trash bags in Salerno’s bedroom. In his car, on the driver’s side door, investigators found a roll of duct tape.
Salerno’s defense attorney did not cross-examine that testimony.
The state’s chief toxicologist testified Monday afternoon that Collins had ecstasy, cocaine, meth, and other drugs in her system when she died.
Prosecutors argued that Collins was drugged by the defendants. Their attorneys argued there is no evidence to support that claim and continue to point the finger at Kelly Lavery, a woman already serving a prison sentence for Collins’ murder.