Charlotte, N.C., October 16, 2025
News Summary
During a House Judiciary hearing, Mia Alderman shared her grief over the murder of her granddaughter, Mary Santina Collins. Concerns arose regarding America Diehl, an accused accomplice granted loose bond conditions despite ongoing legal proceedings, raising alarms about public safety. Alderman’s campaign, “Mary’s Voice,” aims to advocate for justice and accountability in the legal system, highlighting critical issues in handling violent crime cases.
Charlotte, N.C. – During a recent House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight hearing, Mia Alderman testified about the tragic murder of her granddaughter, Mary Santina Collins, who was allegedly killed in March 2020. As the hearing focused on violent crime in Charlotte, Alderman expressed her concerns regarding the status of America Diehl, one of the accused accomplices involved in Collins’ case, and the ongoing legal proceedings against her and other suspects.
Mary Collins was reportedly tied up and beaten to death, with police believing she was murdered in a bathtub. Her body was allegedly disposed of by Diehl, who faces charges of accessory after a murder and failing to report a death. Currently, Diehl remains out on bond in York County, South Carolina, while three other suspects in Collins’ murder case continue to await trial. Two of these suspects are charged with murder and are expected to go to trial next year, while a fourth suspect has already pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison.
A recent court motion sought to revoke Diehl’s bond due to allegations of violations, including not charging her electronic monitoring system and breaching her curfew. Despite these concerns, Judge David Strickland decided against revoking her bond. Instead, the judge removed Diehl’s electronic monitoring restrictions, allowing her to maintain a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. This decision has raised significant concerns among community members and Alderman, who stated that Diehl’s loose restrictions pose a risk to the public.
Alderman created a campaign called “Mary’s Voice” to bring attention to her granddaughter’s case and advocate for accountability in the justice system, especially regarding young offenders. She emphasized that Diehl’s ability to violate court orders undermines the authority of the judicial system and highlighted the challenges families face while seeking justice in murder cases. The ruling on Diehl’s bond illustrates ongoing difficulties in managing pre-trial defendants’ compliance and monitoring in violent crime cases.
As the legal processes continue for the suspects involved in the murder of Mary Collins, Alderman remains determined to push for justice and ensure the memory of her granddaughter is honored through her activism. The case emphasizes the complexities and issues existing within the justice system, particularly in relation to violent crime and the treatment of those accused of such offenses.
Key Details
- Victim: Mary Santina Collins
- Suspect: America Diehl
- Diehl’s Charges: Accessory after a murder and failing to report a death
- Date of Alleged Murder: March 2020
- Next Scheduled Trials: Next year for two suspects charged with murder
Background Information
The case surrounding the murder of Mary Collins has sparked discussions about the effectiveness and responsiveness of the judicial system, particularly regarding the handling of violent crime and the rights of victims’ families. Alderman’s emotional pleas reflect broader concerns about accountability and public safety.
Proposed Changes to Bond Conditions
Diehl’s case has revealed issues in pre-trial monitoring, as concerns were raised about her ability to evade restrictions. With the recent removal of her electronic monitoring system, advocates worry about the implications for both community safety and judicial authority.
FAQ
Who is Mary Santina Collins?
Mary Santina Collins was allegedly murdered in March 2020, and her case has gained attention due to the involvement of multiple suspects and the ongoing legal proceedings.
What are the charges against America Diehl?
America Diehl faces charges of accessory after a murder and failing to report a death in connection with the murder of Mary Collins.
What are the current conditions of Diehl’s bond?
America Diehl remains on bond with a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., but her electronic monitoring restrictions have been removed by a judge.
Summary Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Mary Santina Collins |
| Accused Accomplice | America Diehl |
| Charges Against Diehl | Accessory after a murder, failing to report a death |
| Time of Alleged Murder | March 2020 |
| Court Ruling on Bond | Removed electronic monitoring, curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: Violent Crime Numbers are Down in Charlotte
- WCNC: CMPD Third Quarter Crime Report
- Post and Courier: Charlotte Murder Suspect Mary Collins
- WCCB: CMPD Releases New Crime Numbers
- Newsweek: Charlotte Crime Compared to Other Major Cities
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google Search: Charlotte crime statistics
Author: HERE Charlotte
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