WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – A mother and her son were charged Thursday in connection with the death of 17-year-old London Thomas.
Jalen Pendergrass, 23, and Charla Pendergrass, 49, were charged on Oct. 16 with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
Thomas was found dead in Southfield on April 26, two weeks after she had been reported missing. She was last seen when she was dropped off at her boyfriend’s house on Carlysle Street in Inkster on April 5.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Jalen and Thomas were in a relationship, but it had ended at the time she arrived at the house in Inkster.
On April 26, a friend of Charla told Inkster police that she had allegedly called him and asked him to transport a sealed plastic bin with unknown contents. He told police he received and placed the bin in an SUV on Millard Street in Southfield on April 11, 2025.
When police searched the area on Millard Street, they found Thomas dead in the bin inside the SUV. According to the Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office, Thomas died from asphyxia, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Charla was initially charged with lying to a peace officer in connection with the investigation, but those charges were dismissed.
Jalen and Charla are expected to be arraigned in court on Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. If convicted, both face up to life in prison.