INKSTER, MI – A mother and son accused of killing a teenager and then trying to cover it up are now in custody, facing serious charges after authorities say the victim’s body was found inside a plastic storage bin nearly a month after her disappearance.
Charla Pendergrass, 49, and her 23-year-old son, Jalen Pendergrass, were both arrested this week in connection with the April death of 17-year-old London Thomas. Both face charges of second-degree murder and evidence tampering, according to court records.
Investigators allege that Thomas was last seen in the early morning hours of April 5, when she was dropped off at Jalen Pendergrass’ Inkster residence, about 15 miles west of Detroit. When she failed to return home, her family filed multiple missing person reports, sparking a search by authorities.
After nearly a month, detectives received a crucial tip from someone who claimed to be a friend of Charla Pendergrass. The tipster told police that Charla had contacted him on April 6, asking for assistance in moving a sealed plastic bin containing unspecified items. The friend agreed to help and, on April 11, transported the container to a home on Millard Street in Southfield.
On April 26, law enforcement recovered the bin from an SUV parked outside the Southfield residence. Inside, they discovered Thomas’ remains. An autopsy confirmed that the teenager died by asphyxiation in what was officially ruled a homicide.
During a Friday arraignment in Wayne County, prosecutors urged the judge to deny bond for both suspects, arguing that they had gone to great lengths to conceal their involvement after Thomas’ death. Prosecutors cited evidence that Charla Pendergrass had lied to police and misled investigators in the weeks following the killing.
Jalen Pendergrass’ legal troubles extended beyond this case. Prosecutors noted that he faced another pending charge in a different county related to making a false police report about a felony. They also stated he was recently arrested for suspected drunken driving while out on bond for the earlier offense, though formal charges in that incident have not been filed.
Defense attorneys argued that Charla Pendergrass had appeared at all prior court hearings and requested what they called a reasonable bond. Nonetheless, the judge granted prosecutors’ request, citing the severity and circumstances of the crime.
Ultimately, Jalen Pendergrass was ordered held without bond. Charla Pendergrass’s bond was set at $5 million.
The arrests follow a lengthy investigation led by Michigan State Police, Detroit Police, and the FBI. The case hinged on what authorities described as a determined and coordinated effort to piece together Thomas’ final movements and uncover the alleged effort to cover up her murder.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy credited law enforcement agencies for their tireless work in the case, highlighting the hours spent gathering evidence that led to the suspects’ arrests and charges.
Both Charla and Jalen Pendergrass are set to return to court in the coming weeks as the case continues to unfold.