Inkster, MI – A mother and son haveโ been charged with second-degreeโ murder in connection with theโข death of 20-year-old London Thomas,โ whose โฃremains were discovered โขin Southfield earlierโข this year. Jalen Pendergrass, 23, and his mother, Charlaโ Pendergrass, 49, face up toโข life in prison if convicted.
Thomas was lastโ seen april โ5th when sheโ was dropped off at her boyfriend’sโข house on Carlysle Street in โInkster. Her disappearance sparkedโฃ a search that ended tragically โฃon April 26th when her body was found inside โขa sealed plastic bin in an SUV on Millard Street in southfield. The case highlights the potential for escalating violence in domestic disputes and underscores the importance of thorough investigations into โmissing persons reports. The Pendergrasses are scheduled to be arraigned October 17th at 9 a.m.
According toโ Wayne County Prosecutor โคKym Worthy, Jalen Pendergrass had โคpreviouslyโค been in a โrelationship with Thomas, but the relationship had ended by theโฃ time she arrived โat his โฃhome. Investigators learned that on April 11th, Charla Pendergrass allegedly asked a friend to transport the sealed bin, ultimately leading to the discovery of Thomas’s body.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office persistent thomas died from asphyxia and ruled her death a homicide. Charla Pendergrass was initially โcharged with lying to a peace officer during the examination, but those charges wereโ later dismissed.
police searched the area on Millard Street after receiving details from โขa friend of Charla Pendergrass. The investigation remains ongoing.
