CHARLOTTE — Testimony resumed Thursday in the trial of two men, Lavi Pham and James Salerno, charged in the stabbing death of Mary Collins in NoDa.
In court Wednesday, Pham put the blame on America Diehl and Kelly Lavery.
Pham testified that the two women beat Collins and that Lavery was the one who slashed and stabbed her.
He described the moment he said he found Collins dead.
“I get down on my knees and I check her pulse in her neck. There’s no pulse. That’s when I – she’s dead,” Pham testified. “I couldn’t really believe what i was seeing. I’ve never seen Kelly act like this; it’s like she lost it.”
Pham said he did not call 911 and admitted to lying to Collins’ family and police.
Lavery was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Diehl has been charged with concealing Collins’ death and accessory after the fact. She testified that she had no idea anything happened until the others forced her to wrap up Collins’ body and clean the bathroom.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
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