Police say the victim was 30 weeks pregnant and with her young child when she was attacked.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Mecklenburg County judge denied bond Wednesday for Marvina Butler-Hardy, the woman accused of stabbing a pregnant mother outside a Harris Teeter in south Charlotte last month.
Butler-Hardy is charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury and battery of an unborn child. Police have described the March 18 attack as random and said the victim did not know the woman accused of stabbing her.
The stabbing happened outside the Harris Teeter in Cotswold along Sharon Amity Road. Investigators said Butler-Hardy arrived at the store around 8:30 a.m. and was seen on surveillance video walking inside. Court documents said she later sat in her car for about two and a half hours before the victim pulled into a parking space at 11:16 a.m.
The victim, who was 30 weeks pregnant and with her toddler, told police Butler-Hardy moved her car behind hers, got out, cursed at her and tried to stab her five times. Police said the victim was struck once in the chest and suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The motive remains unclear.
Investigators released surveillance images from the store and the parking lot, including photos of a suspect vehicle with a taped-up window and a missing hubcap. Court records say a family member called police March 27 and identified Butler-Hardy, telling officers he was “100%, no doubt” sure she was the person shown in the images.
The affidavit said the same family member told police Butler-Hardy called her son March 25 and asked to switch cars because, as the document quoted her saying, “she got into trouble with her car.” Police later arrested Butler-Hardy during a traffic stop in Florida. She was returned to Charlotte this week.
In court Wednesday, the judge called the allegations severe and frightening. Butler-Hardy briefly spoke during the hearing and said she would never stab anyone. Prosecutors also reviewed her prior record, including past charges tied to assault, firearms, larceny and malicious conduct by a prisoner.
Court records show Butler-Hardy was most recently arrested in January 2023 and released in May 2025. The judge said that if bond is later granted, Butler-Hardy must be placed on electronic monitoring.
Butler-Hardy remains in custody in Mecklenburg County. Her next court date is scheduled for May 13.
Author note: Last updated April 26, 2026.