Mary Collins Family Launches Victims Advocacy Coalition
The family of the late Mary Collins has formed Mary's Voice to seek accountability for crime victims in Charlotte.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Sex Crimes
The family of Mary Collins, who was murdered in 2020, has launched the Mary's Voice coalition to advocate for the rights of crime victims. The group aims to help families navigate challenges when seeking answers and accountability from law enforcement and the district attorney's office.
Why it matters
The coalition addresses systemic difficulties victims' families often face when pursuing justice. By centralizing their efforts, the family hopes to ensure better communication and transparency from local legal authorities.
Lavi Pham and James Salerno received sentences of life in prison without parole, while Kelly Lavery pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received up to 32 years. A fourth suspect is currently awaiting trial scheduled for December 2026.
The players
Mary Collins
She was a victim of a violent murder in a NoDa apartment in 2020.
Lavi Pham
He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole for his involvement in the murder of Mary Collins.
James Salerno
He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole for his role in the murder.
Kelly Lavery
She pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a sentence of up to 32 years in prison.
The details
Mary Collins was lured to a NoDa apartment, where she was beaten and stabbed more than 130 times. This brutal incident serves as the impetus for the family's new effort to reform how local agencies handle cases involving victims' families.
Timeline
Mary Collins was murdered in 2020.
The Mary's Voice coalition was created in October 2026.
A fourth suspect is scheduled for trial in December 2026.
Legal Context
The formation of Mary's Voice follows the established pattern of victims' families organizing to influence local prosecutorial transparency. This reflects a broader trend of private advocacy groups seeking to fill gaps in communication within the city's justice system.
The coalition's formation aims to provide residents with a clearer path for seeking accountability when dealing with local police and district attorney offices. Residents may see increased community pressure on local legal institutions to improve victim communication protocols.
The takeaway
The creation of Mary's Voice highlights how personal tragedy can catalyze organized efforts to reform bureaucratic communication. Families navigating similar legal processes may find the coalition to be an important resource for advocacy and information sharing.
What happens next
The trial for the fourth suspect is scheduled to take place in December 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings and victim support in the area, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCCB Charlotte.
