A Michigan mother is accused of lying to investigators in an effort to hide her alleged role in the killing of her son’s teenage girlfriend.
Charla Pendergrass, 49, and her son, Jalen, 23, were each charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence on Friday, Oct. 17, in connection with the death of 17-year-old London Thomas, according to CBS News and Detroit ABC affiliate WXYZ.
During the arraignment in Wayne County, prosecutors said Charla displayed a “willingness to be deceptive.”
“This is a case where I believe the evidence will be abundant that both defendants, but particularly Ms. Charla Pendergrass, engaged in an extended campaign to lie to police, lie to law enforcement to cover up her actions,” the prosecutor’s office said during the hearing, per WXYZ.
Because of the seriousness of the charges, prosecutors requested a high cash bond.
Thomas was discovered dead inside a plastic bin in a parked vehicle on April 26. She had been reported missing three weeks earlier, on April 5.
Authorities believe the vehicle sat parked in Southfield for two weeks before the grim discovery, according to WXYZ, citing Inkster police, Detroit police, the FBI, and Michigan State Police.
A man who claimed to be Charla’s friend told investigators she had asked him to “transport a sealed plastic bin.” He said he placed the bin in the SUV where Thomas’ remains were later found on April 11, per WXYZ.
The medical examiner determined Thomas died from asphyxia, ruling her death a homicide, per CBS News.
Jalen was denied bond during Friday’s hearing, while Charla’s cash bond was set at $5 million. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Oct. 22, WXYZ reported.
Both Charla and Jalen maintain their innocence and are expected to plead not guilty, their attorneys told WXYZ.
“I’m so angry and I’m so happy and satisfied at the same time,” said Cedric Salisbury, Thomas’ father, speaking to CBS News after the arraignment. “We all knew that they were pretty much responsible for what happened, so now we’re moving forward and moving in the right direction, going for justice for London.”
WXYZ also reported that Jalen had been arrested in connection with a previous case, while Charla had earlier been charged with lying to a peace officer — charges that were later dismissed.
