Mom Allegedly Helped Son Cover Up Murder Of His 17-Year-Old Girlfriend

A mother and son are facing charges in connection to the death of the boy's 17-year-old girlfriend, whose body was found stuffed in a plastic bin.

London Thomas, 17, was last seen on April 5 when she was dropped off around 4 am. at the home of her 23-year-old boyfriend, Jalen Pendergrass, in Inkster, Michigan. Thomas' mother reported her missing the next day. Weeks later, Thomas' body was discovered in a sealed bin inside a parked SUV at a home in Southfield, about 17 miles from where she was last seen.

Pendergrass was charged with second-degree murder and evidence tampering. His mother, 49-year-old Charla Pendergrass, is also facing the same charges as prosecutors allege she orchestrated a cover-up, including moving the bin containing Thomas’ body and lying to police.

A friend a Charla told police that she asked him on April 6 to transport a sealed plastic bin. The friend later moved it to the Southfield home on April 11, unaware it held Thomas’ remains. Thomas' cause of death was ruled asphyxia, and her death a homicide.

Prosecutors accuse Charla of launching a “campaign to lie” to law enforcement and say her phone records and surveillance video contradict her claim that she saw Thomas leave the home alive.

The Pendergrasses have pleaded not guilty. A probable cause hearing for the case is set for Wednesday (October 22).

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