Michigan authorities are moving forward with upgraded murder charges against a mother and son accused in the death of 17-year-old London Thomas, a case that has deeply shaken the suburban Detroit community.
Charla Pendergrass, 49, and her son Jalen Pendergrass, 24, are now set to stand trial for first-degree murder after a judge determined there was enough evidence to support the more serious charge. The decision came after a lengthy preliminary hearing in Inkster, where prosecutors presented testimony describing what they believe was a deliberate and violent killing, followed by an attempt to conceal the teenager’s body.
A Teenager Disappears
London Thomas was reported missing on April 5, 2024. Family members said she was last seen at the home of her former boyfriend, Jalen Pendergrass, in the Inkster area near Carlysle Street and Inkster Road. When she failed to respond to calls or messages, concern quickly grew, prompting searches and police involvement.
In the weeks that followed, investigators focused attention on the Pendergrass residence. Authorities later conducted a search of the home with assistance from federal agents, but London remained missing.
The case took a grim turn on April 26, when police recovered London’s body inside a large plastic storage bin. The bin was found in the trunk of a sport utility vehicle connected to the investigation. Officials described the discovery as disturbing and confirmed that London had been dead for weeks.
An autopsy later determined that she died from asphyxia, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Charges Escalate
Both Charla and Jalen Pendergrass were originally arrested in October and charged with second-degree murder. However, after new testimony emerged during Thursday’s preliminary hearing, prosecutors requested that the charges be upgraded.
Judge Sabrina Johnson agreed, ordering both suspects to stand trial for first-degree murder. The judge also approved additional charges, including unlawful imprisonment and evidence tampering, reflecting allegations that London was restrained and that steps were taken to hide evidence after her death.
If convicted of first-degree murder, the pair could face life in prison.
Key Testimony From Former Girlfriend
One of the most significant witnesses during the hearing was Lanyja Wilkerson, a former girlfriend of Jalen Pendergrass. Wilkerson testified that after London disappeared, Jalen contacted her and sent her disturbing rap lyrics that referenced hiding a woman in a trunk so her family would never see her again.
Wilkerson also told the court that Jalen later spoke to her about what happened the night London went missing. According to her testimony, he gave more than one version of events, but one account included a violent confrontation inside the home involving London and Charla Pendergrass.
Wilkerson said Jalen described physically assaulting London, restraining her, and later choking her with a belt until she collapsed. She also testified that he claimed his mother encouraged his anger and urged him to kill the teen.
Wilkerson did not come forward with these alleged confessions until October, which prosecutors said helped trigger the initial murder charges.
Defense attorneys challenged Wilkerson’s credibility, noting that she testified both she and Jalen were under the influence during some of the conversations. The defense also argued that the medical evidence may not fully support her account. Prosecutors countered that the level of detail Wilkerson provided suggested she was recounting information that could only come from someone closely involved.
Body Hidden in Plastic Tote
Another witness, described as a friend of Charla Pendergrass, testified about his involvement in the discovery of the body.
He told the court that Charla asked him shortly after London disappeared to move or store a sealed plastic tote. Later, she allegedly instructed him to dispose of it, even suggesting it should be burned. The witness said he never opened the container or asked what was inside.
Becoming suspicious, he contacted police through an attorney and provided information about the tote’s location. Investigators later found it in the trunk of his SUV, which had been left parked outside another home. Inside, they discovered London’s body, bruised and tied up.
Prosecutors also indicated that evidence suggested Jalen Pendergrass’ DNA may have been present on the bin’s handles.
Family Members Seek Justice
London’s family attended the hearing, listening as the details of the case unfolded.
Her mother, Jasma Bennett, said the upgraded charges represented an important step toward justice for her daughter, though nothing could undo the loss.
London’s sister, Jaila Hatcher, testified that she dropped London off at Jalen’s home early on April 5 and that the last communication she received from her sister came from that location. She became alarmed when London stopped answering her phone, which family members said was unusual behavior.
London’s stepfather expressed disbelief over the allegations, saying it was difficult to comprehend how such harm could come to a child, particularly involving a mother.
Her grandmother also voiced approval of the first-degree murder charge, saying it matched the seriousness of what the family believes happened.
Moving Toward Trial
Charla and Jalen Pendergrass remain in custody as they await trial. Prosecutors argue the evidence points to a planned killing followed by an effort to hide London’s body and prevent her family from learning the truth.
The case has drawn widespread attention across Michigan, serving as a painful reminder of how quickly a missing-person report can become a homicide investigation. For London Thomas’ loved ones, the coming trial represents the next step in a long search for accountability in the death of a teenager whose life ended far too soon.
