Mary Collins Remembered as Family Continues to Honor Her Life Following 2020 Homicide

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mary Santina Collins is remembered by her loved ones as a compᴀssionate and joyful young woman whose kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Born on July 6, 1999, Mary lived with her grandmother, Mia Alderman, in Charlotte, where she was surrounded by a family devoted to her care and well-being.

Mary lived with 22q11 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affected her speech, learning, and aspects of her daily life. Despite those challenges, family members describe her as someone who embraced life with enthusiasm, enjoying music, makeup, and spending time with others. Her trusting personality and gentle nature made her especially vulnerable, but they also reflected the compᴀssion that defined her character.

According to court records, on March 28, 2020, Mary accepted an invitation to visit acquaintances at an apartment in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood. Family members later expressed concern because of previous conflicts involving one of the individuals she planned to meet, but Mary hoped the visit would simply be an opportunity to socialize.

Investigators later alleged that Mary was drugged and subjected to a prolonged and violent ᴀssault inside the apartment. Authorities stated that multiple individuals participated in the crime and later attempted to conceal evidence and hide her body.

When Mary failed to return home, her grandmother immediately recognized that something was wrong. Mia Alderman began searching for her granddaughter, using location information from Mary’s phone and repeatedly seeking help as she tried to determine where Mary had gone. Family members have since spoken publicly about the emotional toll of those desperate hours spent searching for answers.

The investigation ultimately led to the arrest and prosecution of those accused in Mary’s death. Court proceedings revealed disturbing details about the events surrounding the homicide, resulting in multiple convictions related to the crime.

Today, Mary’s family continues to remember her not for the violence that ended her life but for the joy she brought to those around her. Friends and relatives describe her as someone who loved unconditionally, greeted others with hugs, and found happiness in life’s simple pleasures.

Her story has also drawn attention to the need to better protect vulnerable adults and ensure that reports involving missing or at-risk individuals receive prompt and thorough attention. Advocates say Mary’s case serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness, timely investigations, and support for people living with developmental disabilities.

Although nothing can undo the loss her family has endured, they remain committed to preserving Mary’s memory through the stories they share about her kindness, resilience, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others.

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