SOUTHFIELD, MI — In a deeply disturbing development, authorities have charged 49-year-old Charla Pendergrass and her 23-year-old son, Jalen Pendergrass, with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence following the tragic death of 17-year-old London Thomas, whose body was discovered earlier this year.
According to prosecutors, both Charla and Jalen appeared before a Wayne County judge on October 17, 2025, where they were formally arraigned on the serious charges. During the hearing, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office accused the defendants — particularly Charla — of orchestrating an elaborate cover-up following Thomas’s death.
“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 and law enforcement to cover up her actions,” prosecutors said during the court session, as captured in video footage from the hearing.
Prosecutors also requested a high cash bond, citing both the severity of the alleged crime and the deliberate deception involved in the case.
Discovery of the Victim
On April 26, 2025, police made a grim discovery when they found the body of London Thomas concealed inside a plastic storage bin located in a vehicle parked in Southfield, Michigan. Investigators believe the SUV had been left in the area for two weeks prior to the discovery.
Thomas had been reported missing on April 5, sparking a widespread search effort led by family, friends, and authorities. The investigation took a shocking turn when a man claiming to be a friend of Charla Pendergrass came forward to police, alleging that Charla had asked him to transport a sealed plastic bin. The man said he placed the bin in her SUV on April 11, unaware of its contents.
A subsequent autopsy by the Wayne County Medical Examiner determined that Thomas had died from asphyxia, and the manner of death was ruled homicide.
Legal Proceedings
During Friday’s arraignment, Jalen Pendergrass was denied bond, while Charla’s bond was set at $5 million cash only. The court also scheduled a probable cause conference for October 22, where additional evidence and testimony are expected to be presented.
Prosecutors have described Charla’s actions as “deliberate and deceptive,” accusing her of lying to law enforcement and obstructing the investigation from the beginning.
Despite the serious allegations, both defendants maintain their innocence and are expected to plead not guilty to all charges. Their defense attorneys have not yet issued formal statements to the press but indicated that the Pendergrasses intend to fight the charges in court.
Prior Arrests and Background
Court records show that Jalen Pendergrass was previously arrested in connection with another case earlier this year. Meanwhile, Charla Pendergrass had also been arrested on charges of lying to a peace officer, though those charges were later dismissed.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of the relationship between the Pendergrasses and London Thomas or the events leading up to her death. Investigators, however, have described the case as complex and deeply troubling, suggesting that the alleged cover-up spanned several weeks.
As the case moves forward, the community of Southfield and greater Wayne County remain in shock over the disturbing details that continue to emerge.
Police and prosecutors have asked anyone with information about the case to contact the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office or local law enforcement as they continue to seek justice for London Thomas, a young life tragically cut short.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information and court documents become available.