A funeral director in Gadsden, Alabama, was confronted with a disturbing and shocking discovery on Saturday morning — the body of a 1-year-old girl, allegedly murdered by her mother, was found inside a hearse at the West Gadsden Funeral Home.
Terica Pearl, 29, is accused of strangling her daughter, Blessence Pearl, with a “thick robe string” before secretly placing her lifeless body in the back of the hearse sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning.
The horrifying discovery was made by a groundskeeper at the funeral home who went to move the hearse. Initially, the groundskeeper thought he had come across a doll, but upon closer inspection, he found the reality of the situation.
He immediately alerted others, and funeral home director Dantez Robinson and local authorities were called to the scene.
Funeral Director Shocked by Discovery
Robinson, who is also the assistant coroner for the area, spoke about the level of shock he felt upon discovering the body. He said the hearse had been locked and empty when he parked it the night before.
“It’s pathetic,” Robinson said, adding, “Whoever this family is, whoever done this, we’re going to bury this baby. We’re going to give this baby the proper burial.”
The funeral home director expressed his disbelief and grief, emphasizing the heartbreak of having a life taken so early. “To see that and to see my employee in disbelief, I was lost for words when I put the call out to the police department,” Robinson told local outlets.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The Gadsden Police Department quickly launched an investigation after the body was discovered. Terica Pearl, the mother of the child, was arrested on Sunday and charged with murder.
Police believe that Pearl strangled her daughter using a thick robe string before placing the body in the hearse, where it remained until the discovery was made. Pearl has been held without bond.
Blessence was confirmed to be 21 months old at the time of her death. Local authorities, including Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford, expressed their grief over the case. “An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child,” Ford stated.
Emotional Impact on the Community
Robinson reflected on the emotional toll the case has had on him and the community. As someone who has encountered disturbing situations over the years, he admitted that this discovery took him to an entirely new level of shock.
“To see something like this really sent me into another level of shock,” Robinson said. He, along with others in the community, has vowed to ensure that Blessence is laid to rest with the dignity and justice she deserves.
Moving Forward and Pursuit of Justice
As the investigation continues, the community and authorities remain focused on bringing justice for Blessence Pearl. Despite the arrest, the pain of this tragedy will linger, but local officials and funeral home staff are determined to give the toddler the proper burial she deserves.
Terica Pearl remains behind bars, and her next court appearance is pending. The case has shocked the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse and the need for justice in cases of such unimaginable cruelty.
