Michigan Man, Mother Charged in Murder of His 17-Year-Old Girlfriend
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A 23-year-old man from Michigan and his mother are now facing charges related to the murder of the man’s girlfriend, whose body was discovered in a bin inside an SUV.

Jalen Pendergrass, along with his 49-year-old mother, Charla Pendergrass, has been charged with second-degree murder. The charges stem from the death of 17-year-old London Thomas, who was found deceased in Southfield. Her body was discovered three weeks after her family reported her missing, according to a report from the Detroit News.

Authorities from Inkster Police disclosed that Thomas was last seen on April 5 at the residence of Jalen Pendergrass, located on Carlysle Street near Inkster Road, as reported by CrimeOnline. The police investigation, with assistance from the FBI, led to a search of the home.

Thomas’ remains were ultimately discovered after law enforcement received crucial information from a friend of Charla Pendergrass. Prosecutors revealed that Charla had requested this individual on April 7 to “transport a sealed plastic bin with unknown contents,” as reported by the News. This friend complied, placing the bin inside an SUV on Millard Street in Southfield on April 11, according to prosecutors.

Jalen Pendergrass/Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and Charla Pendergrass/Detroit Police Department

“He received and placed the bin in a SUV on Millard Street in Southfield on April 11,” prosecutors said.

Police conducted a search on April 26 and found Thomas’s body. An autopsy determined that she died from asphyxia and the manner of death was homicide.

“The evidence shows that Defendants Jaylen and Charla Pendergrass allegedly committed the homicide of Ms. London Thomas,” the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said. “The extensive facts and evidence will be presented in court at the preliminary examination.”

Mother and son are set to be arraigned on Friday.

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