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A WOMAN has been arrested after a baby was found dead in a hearse.
The 1-year-old girl’s mother was charged with capital murder after the child was discovered at an Alabama funeral home on Saturday.
Terica Pearl, 29, was found to be the suspect after a day-long investigation by police.
“When the first patrol officers arrived on scene, there was little to no information to work from. What followed was a relentless, coordinated effort,” the Gadsden Police Department wrote in a release.
“In under 12 hours, the investigation moved from uncertainty to an arrest.”
When the body was discovered, workers thought the body was a doll at first, the funeral home owner told WBRC-6 News.
“I got a call from one of my employees,” Dantez Robinson said.
“He was getting ready to do some grounds work, and we…found an infant baby inside one of the hearses.”
The baby was identified as Blessence Pearl, according to the outlet.
She was not found in a casket.
“This was a tough case for everybody involved,” the town’s mayor, Craig Ford, said in a statement.
“I’m proud of the way our police department went after the truth and got it done. An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child.”
According to the IndyStar, Pearl had worked at the funeral home.
“An infant baby girl was left in one of our hearse this morning by no fault of the Funeral Home by one of our employees and the police was immediately called and an investigation is being done with our complete cooperation,” they wrote to ABC 33/40.
“We ask that you stop with the negativity without knowing the facts.”
The mother is now being held without bond at Etowah County Jail.
Gadsden Police Department’s statement
On Aug. 10, police released the following statement:
“When the first patrol officers arrived on scene, there was little to no information to work from. What followed was a relentless, coordinated effort. Patrol secured the scene, our forensics unit meticulously documented and preserved evidence, and detectives began running down leads at a pace that only comes from experience, skill, and focus. In under 12 hours, the investigation moved from uncertainty to an arrest.
“This was a tough case for everybody involved,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “I’m proud of the way our police department went after the truth and got it done. An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child.”
This outcome is the direct result of the hard work and determination of every member of our team. From the first officer on scene to the last piece of evidence processed, each person played a vital role in bringing this case to a close. In every case, but especially in moments like this, our team serves with Pride, Integrity, and Excellence. They draw on every skill, every resource, and every ounce of resolve to see justice done.
We are also grateful to our partners at EMACC, the FBI, and the Huntsville Police Department for their timely support in bringing this case to resolution. We would also like to give the utmost thanks to our community partners who were absolutely instrumental in getting us to this point.
While the investigative phase is complete, this case will now move forward through the judicial process. The memory of this child will remain with us, and we will continue to stand for justice in every case, no matter how difficult. We at the Gadsden Police Department will not be releasing the name of the child out of respect for the family.”
“While the investigative phase is complete, this case will now move forward through the judicial process,” the police department wrote.
“The memory of this child will remain with us, and we will continue to stand for justice in every case, no matter how difficult.”
A Facebook account seemingly belonging to the mother had made multiple posts that discussed parenting and mental health before the chilling discovery.
“I really feel bad for people that be stuck with they kids 24/7 & have to try to convince theyself that it makes them a better mama,” read one post she shared just days before the baby was found.
“[B]uild a family, get you a support system, catch a break.”
“You never know what a person is battling on a daily basis,” another post that she reshared in late July said.
“Most people smile during the roughest times of their lives. Mental health is real.”
A friend of the baby’s grandmother spoke to WVTM 13 at a vigil held for the girl.
“Her heart is completely torn up,” Ekra Tolbert told the outlet.
“I couldn’t sleep last night so I know she couldn’t sleep last night cause she’s the grandmother.”
