Inkster, MI – A 49-year-old mother and her 23-year-old son have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and evidence tampering after allegedly killing the son’s 17-year-old girlfriend and hiding her body inside a sealed plastic bin earlier this year. Prosecutors say the pair then carried out an “extended campaign to lie to police” to conceal their crime.
The Incident: Teen Girlfriend Found Dead in Sealed Plastic Bin
Authorities identified the victim as London Thomas, a 17-year-old girl who was last seen alive around 4 a.m. on April 5, 2024, when she was dropped off at Jalen Pendergrass’ home in the 27000 block of Carlysle Street in Inkster, about 15 miles west of Detroit.
When Thomas failed to return home, her family reported her missing multiple times, prompting an extensive search by local authorities.
According to investigators, Thomas had been strangled to death, and her body was later found stuffed inside a sealed plastic storage bin nearly three weeks after her disappearance.
A medical examiner determined the cause of death was asphyxiation and ruled it a homicide.
Investigation and Evidence: The Mother’s Role in the Cover-Up
The investigation took a major turn after a friend of Charla Pendergrass came forward in late April, telling authorities that she had asked him for help moving a sealed plastic bin just one day after the killing.
The friend told investigators that Charla contacted him on April 6, asking if he could assist her in relocating a large container that was “sealed” and had “unknown contents.”
Authorities say the man agreed to help and assisted moving the bin on April 11 to a home on Millard Street in Southfield. On April 26, investigators located the SUV outside that home and found the bin containing Thomas’ remains inside.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy praised the coordinated effort of investigators, saying,
“I am proud of the excellent work that has been done in this case. It has taken countless hours of investigation, and diligent work by the Michigan State Police, the Detroit Police Department, and the FBI. As a result of that work, we have been able to charge and bring the perpetrators of this cruel and deadly crime to justice.”
Both Charla and Jalen Pendergrass were arrested earlier this week following months of investigation and forensic analysis.
Court Proceedings: Prosecutors Seek High Bond
During the arraignment hearing in Wayne County Court on Friday, prosecutors detailed the disturbing extent of the cover-up.
“This is a case where the evidence will be abundant that both defendants, but particularly Ms. Charla Pendergrass, engaged in an extended campaign to lie to police, to cover up her actions,” the prosecutor told the court.
Prosecutors urged the judge to deny bond for both defendants, citing their ongoing deception and the serious nature of the charges.
The court learned that Jalen Pendergrass is also facing separate criminal charges in another county for filing a false felony report, and was arrested recently for suspected DUI while out on bond in that case.
The judge ruled that Jalen Pendergrass will be held without bond, while his mother, Charla Pendergrass, will remain in custody under a $5 million bond.
The mother’s defense attorney argued for “reasonable” bond conditions, noting that she had appeared for all prior hearings. However, prosecutors emphasized that she had deliberately misled investigators and concealed key evidence.
Reactions and Statements from Authorities
Prosecutors described the case as an example of “extreme deceit and manipulation”, alleging that both defendants made multiple attempts to mislead police about Thomas’ disappearance.
Wayne County officials called it a “cold and calculated effort” to hide the crime, pointing to evidence that both the mother and son worked together to dispose of the body.
Investigators also confirmed that the bin had been sealed shut, which further complicated the recovery and identification process once it was found.
Background Context: Pattern of Dishonesty and Escalating Behavior
Court records show that Jalen Pendergrass already had a history of false statements to law enforcement, including his pending charge for making a false report of a felony. Prosecutors noted that his pattern of deception extended into this homicide case.
Meanwhile, investigators allege that Charla Pendergrass actively supported her son’s actions, helping move the evidence and continuing to lie to detectives in follow-up interviews.
The prosecution has argued that her behavior demonstrates a willful intent to obstruct justice, making her equally culpable in the murder of the teenage girl.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
Both Charla and Jalen Pendergrass remain in custody as they await formal trial dates in Wayne County Circuit Court. The second-degree murder and evidence tampering charges carry potential penalties of life in prison if convicted.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges will be filed but have confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Family members of London Thomas have requested privacy but expressed relief that arrests have finally been made after months of uncertainty.
Conclusion
The shocking murder of 17-year-old London Thomas and the alleged involvement of both her boyfriend and his mother have left Michigan residents horrified. Prosecutors say they will continue to seek justice for Thomas as new evidence is presented in court.
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