Overview
- Wayne County charged Jalen Pendergrass, 23, and his mother, Charla Pendergrass, 49, with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of 17-year-old London Thomas.
- At Friday's arraignment, Jalen Pendergrass was denied bond, and Charla Pendergrass received a $5 million cash bond with a GPS tether and in-state travel restrictions.
- Prosecutors cite a tip from an associate of Charla who reported moving a sealed plastic bin into an SUV on Millard Street in Southfield on April 11.
- Michigan State Police located Thomas' remains in that SUV on April 26, and the Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide by asphyxia.
- Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the case returns to 22nd District Court on Oct. 22 for a probable-cause conference as the multi-agency investigation continues.