Charlotte, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A Mecklenburg County judge has denied a motion to revoke the bond for America Diehl, who is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder in the 2020 murder of Mary Collins. Despite several violations of her bond conditions, including relocating to York County and breaching curfew, she remains free on a $150,000 bond. The ruling has sparked frustration within Collins’ family, who feel the legal system is failing them as the case involving multiple suspects continues to unfold.
Charlotte, N.C. – Judge Denies Bond Revocation for America Diehl in Collins Murder Case
A Mecklenburg County judge has denied a motion to revoke the bond for America Diehl, who is charged with aiding in the 2020 murder of Mary Collins. The decision was made during a hearing held on October 10, 2025. Despite violating court-ordered conditions by moving to York County, S.C., and facing multiple violations of her bond requirements, Diehl remains free on a $150,000 bond.
Mary Collins was allegedly murdered in March 2020, and her body was discovered hidden in a mattress, inflicted with over 130 stab wounds. Diesl is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and concealment of a body, and she has been awaiting trial along with three other suspects connected to the case. As the family seeks justice, two suspects charged with murder are scheduled for trial next year, while a fourth has pleaded guilty and received a 25-year sentence.
During a session in front of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight regarding violent crime in Charlotte, Mia Alderman, the grandmother of Mary Collins, testified to the emotional impacts of the case. Family members expressed anguish over the judge’s ruling and questioned the integrity of the judicial system when bond conditions are not upheld.
Initially, the terms of Diehl’s release required her to remain in Mecklenburg County, but the conditions were effectively loosened after her relocation. The Mecklenburg County District Attorney filed a motion for bond revocation due to Diehl failing to charge her ankle monitor and breaching her curfew.
In response to the case’s developments, Alderman criticized the judicial system for allowing Diehl to violate the conditions laid out by the court. Fueled by frustration, Alderman initiated a campaign named “Mary’s Voice” aimed at raising awareness and seeking justice for her granddaughter. The emotional toll of the case has been profound, and family members have articulated the trauma they continue to experience through the ongoing legal proceedings.
At the recent bond hearing, it was revealed that Diehl had not committed any previous crimes and was reportedly working and living with family members at the time. The judge’s decision to permit Diehl’s continued freedom and remove electronic monitoring was partly influenced by claims from the private monitoring company regarding the unreliability of their services. Consequently, the oversight of Diehl’s movements became less stringently monitored, limited only to a nighttime curfew.
With Diehl’s trial on the calendar for December, frustrations continue to mount within Collins’ family as they contend with repeated delays in the legal process. The intricate details surrounding Mary Collins’ murder and subsequent proceedings have provoked significant concern regarding the justice system’s handling of sensitive cases involving violent crime, particularly those affecting vulnerable individuals. Collins was described by her family as someone with a rare genetic disorder that complicated her daily life, rendering her an easier target for manipulation.
As the community in Charlotte grapples with this tragic case, the outcome and overall handling of the situation will likely shape conversations around justice and accountability within the legal system.
FAQ
- What charges does America Diehl face?
- America Diehl faces charges of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and concealment of a body.
- What was Mary Collins’ cause of death?
- Mary Collins was reportedly murdered with over 130 stab wounds, and her body was hidden in a mattress.
- What bond conditions did America Diehl violate?
- America Diehl violated bond conditions by moving to York County, S.C., breaching her curfew, and failing to charge her ankle monitor.
- When is Diehl’s trial scheduled?
- Diehl’s trial is set for December 2025.
- What efforts has Mary Collins’ family taken for justice?
- Mia Alderman, Collins’ grandmother, initiated a campaign called “Mary’s Voice” to seek justice and raise awareness of the case.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Involved | Mary Collins murder |
| Primary Suspect | America Diehl |
| Charges Against Diehl | Accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and concealment of a body |
| Initial Bond Amount | $150,000 |
| Trial Date for Diehl | December 2025 |
| Location of Collins’ Body | Hidden in a mattress |
| Family Advocacy Campaign | Mary’s Voice |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WCNC: Mary Collins Murder Case
- Charlotte Observer: Collins Case Updates
- WSOC-TV: Bond Revocation Denied
- Axios: Mary Collins Case Analysis
- Google Search: Mary Collins Murder Case
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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