Pregnant Mother Attacked by Repeat Offender in Grocery Parking Lot

Authorities allege the suspect, Marvina Butler-Hardy, has a lengthy criminal history and was recently released from prison.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:37am

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A pregnant woman in Charlotte, North Carolina was allegedly attacked by a repeat offender, Marvina Butler-Hardy, while getting her toddler out of her car in a Harris Teeter grocery store parking lot. The 38-year-old victim was stabbed in the sternum but is expected to recover, along with her unborn child. Butler-Hardy, who has a lengthy criminal history, was arrested in Florida and is being held until extradition to Mecklenburg County.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges communities face with repeat offenders and the need for effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs to prevent such violent attacks. It also raises concerns about public safety, especially for vulnerable populations like pregnant women.

The details

Authorities allege that on March 18, Butler-Hardy approached the pregnant victim in the Harris Teeter parking lot, cursed at her, and then stabbed her in the sternum with a steak knife as she was getting her toddler out of the car. The victim was able to push and kick Butler-Hardy, which she believes scared the suspect off. Butler-Hardy was later spotted by a Florida state trooper and arrested on charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and battery on an unborn child.

  • The attack occurred around 11:30 a.m. on March 18 in the Cotswold area of Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • Butler-Hardy was arrested on Monday by a Florida state trooper on I-95.

The players

Marvina Butler-Hardy

A 38-year-old woman with a lengthy criminal history, including six felony and three misdemeanor convictions, who was recently released from prison in April 2025 after serving time for firearm possession and misconduct while in custody.

The Pregnant Victim

A 38-year-old woman who was getting her toddler out of her car in the Harris Teeter parking lot when she was allegedly attacked by Butler-Hardy. She suffered a stab wound to the sternum but is expected to recover, along with her unborn child.

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What they’re saying

“I was facing my toddler, getting him out of his seat, and thankfully turned around, and she was coming at me with a steak knife. I pushed and kicked and screamed, and thankfully I think that scared her off.”

— The Pregnant Victim

What’s next

Butler-Hardy is being held in the Flagler County Jail in Florida until she is extradited to Mecklenburg County, North Carolina to face charges.

The takeaway

This attack underscores the need for better support and resources for repeat offenders upon release from prison, as well as improved public safety measures to protect vulnerable populations like pregnant women in community settings.