Overview

• Funeral home staff found Blessence Pearl’s body on Saturday in the back of an unlocked hearse after initially mistaking her for a doll.
• Gadsden Police immediately opened a homicide investigation and arrested the child’s mother, 29-year-old Terica Pearl, on a murder charge early Sunday.
• Terica Pearl is held without bond at Etowah County Jail as authorities have not publicly disclosed the cause of death or a motive.
• Funeral director Dantez Robinson noted the infant was not placed in a casket and emphasized full cooperation with the investigation.
• About 100 residents held a candlelight vigil and collected donations for Blessence’s burial as investigators and the coroner prepare for an autopsy.