Gadsden, AL – Authorities in Alabama say a 29-year-old woman has been charged with murder after the body of her 21-month-old daughter was discovered inside a hearse at a local funeral home. The disturbing case has left the community in shock and sparked calls for justice.
Baby Found in Funeral Home Hearse
According to the Gadsden Police Department, the incident unfolded on Saturday morning when a groundskeeper at the West Gadsden Funeral Home went to move a hearse and discovered what initially appeared to be a doll. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed to be the body of Blessence Pearl, the 21-month-old daughter of Terica Pearl.
Funeral home director Dantez Robinson told that the hearse had been locked and empty when parked the night before. The following morning, the infant’s body was found inside, exposed and not in a casket. Robinson described the discovery as unlike anything he had experienced in his career.
“To do this, you’re sick in the head,” Robinson said. “Whoever done this, we’re going to bury this baby and give her the proper burial.”
Police Say Mother Strangled Child
Court records indicate that Pearl allegedly strangled her daughter using a “thick robe string” sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning before placing her inside the hearse. Officials say there were no immediate signs of forced entry into the vehicle, suggesting the suspect had access to it.
Etowah County Coroner’s Office confirmed the child’s age and cause of death as homicide by strangulation. Investigators believe the killing happened at another location before the body was taken to the funeral home.
Community in Shock Over Tragedy
Robinson, who also serves as the area’s assistant coroner, said that even with years of experience handling tragic cases, this incident left him at “another level of shock.” He emphasized the funeral home’s commitment to providing Blessence with a respectful burial.
Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford released a statement acknowledging the emotional toll on first responders and the community.
“An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child,” Ford said.
Suspect in Custody Without Bond
Police arrested Pearl on Sunday, and she remains behind bars without bond. Authorities have not released additional details about a possible motive but continue to gather evidence.
Officials have urged the public to keep the victim’s surviving family members in their thoughts during what they describe as an “unimaginable tragedy.”
What are your thoughts on how this heartbreaking case should be handled in court? Share your views in the comments below.
