The story of Mary Collins’ murder during the COVID-19 lockdowns shocked many – particularly given the sheer brutality of her killers and their extremely calculated attempt to conceal her body.
However, the tragedy received less attention than one may have expected.
With no public events or gatherings allowed, news of her death simply did not reach far and wide in a timely manner.
It is our hope that Collins’ case can shed light on the oppression so many still suffer today, and serve as a reminder that we must take all necessary measures to protect our loved ones, even in seemingly safe times.
Mary Collins murder
When Oluwatoyin Collins went missing on March 30, 2020, after taking an Uber to a friend’s place, her family quickly alerted the police.
Little did anyone know she had access to an apartment nearby where she was staying for a few weeks without anyone realizing it.
Four days later, on April 3, the police issued a missing person bulletin and her friends and family members immediately started their own search parties.
It was five days before they found success; detectives located Collins during their subsequent search.
This makes it all the more remarkable considering that Collins had 22q deletion syndrome which severely impacted her cognitive abilities and made her mental capacity similar to that of a 15-year-old.
Fortunately, things ended in the best way possible, with no physical harm done to anybody concerned.
The police investigation
When Mary’s mysterious disappearance was first reported, authorities decided to investigate the last place she was seen: her apartment.
After lifting the mattress and failing to discover her hidden body, it seemed that the search had run dry – until a second witness came forward with the information that Mary still remained in the residence.
Having obtained a search warrant, police re-entered the apartment and were shocked to find what appeared to be expert concealment; it was only after cutting into the mattress that they discovered Mary’s body.
Detective Bryan Crum of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has since commented on this unexpected development, noting that taking such measures of secrecy usually implies prior knowledge of detection.
The news of 20-year-old Mary Bardon’s death sent shockwaves through the world when it became known that two assailants had killed her.
During their attempt to hide her body, they used dish detergent and shower gel in a grotesque attempt to mask her smell before wrapping her in Saran Wrap and duct tape and hiding her inside of a mattress.
Mary’s sister, Rylee Bardon, spoke to WCNC after Mary’s murder stating, “Mary didn’t get cut any deals yet somehow she maintained this light that was untouchable. She was goofy. She was sweet. She was giving. She was elegant. Graceful in everything she did and you couldn’t help but notice. The world doesn’t have enough women like her in it.”
Her love and admiration for her younger sister were palpable as she continued: “The world didn’t deserve to lose her before she had the chance to explore it. We have lost one of our best angels. She deserved better because she was better. I love you forever baby sister. I will never stop sending you love.”
All those who knew Mary are heartbroken by her death and can still feel the warmth of her presence all around them despite the deep sorrow experienced amid such violence and injustice.
Who murdered Mary Collins?
Just months after her daughter, Mary Santina Collins, was killed in September 2020, Kasei Del Pezzo faced two defendants in a Charlotte courtroom on Thursday.
Prosecutors alleged the suspects, Kelly Lavery, and Rivers Lewis, were responsible for Mary’s death.
Although Kasei had hoped for a life sentence for the accused duo, Lavery entered a guilty plea and will serve 32 years in prison, while Lewis pleaded not guilty to all charges and will go to trial.
During Lavery’s arraignment, Superior Court Judge Daniel Kuehnert sentenced him to 240-300 months in prison on murder and kidnapping charges, followed by an additional 60-84 months of imprisonment on the charge of body concealment.
As she continues to grieve her daughter’s loss, Kasei can take comfort in the poetic justice of those found guilty being held accountable for their crimes.
The case of an ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearance and murder of 6-year-old Jeremiah McNeil is gaining momentum.
Levi Pham, 23, has recently entered a plea of not guilty to accusations of murder and kidnapping pertaining to this case.
While his next court date has yet to be determined, he joins two other suspects who have also been charged: James Salerno with murder, kidnapping, and concealing a death; and America Diehl with accessory after the fact and concealing a death.
As the details of this complex legal case are under current review, no further verdicts or decisions in regard to these matters have yet been reached.
