Memphis, Tennessee – London Thomas, 17, never returned home after visiting her boyfriend’s residence on April 5. What began as a normal day for the teenager ended in tragedy, leaving her family in mourning and the community demanding justice.
Authorities say London was dropped off at her boyfriend Jalen’s home in Memphis, where she was last seen alive. Days later, her disappearance sparked concern when she failed to respond to calls or messages from her loved ones. Family members filed a missing person report, hoping for her safe return.
Investigators soon began piecing together a chilling timeline. According to police, Jalen, 23, and his mother, Charla Pendergrass, 49, told officers that London left their home alive that same day. However, new evidence contradicted their claims, leading authorities to suspect foul play.
Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and analyzed cell phone data, which revealed no sign that London ever left the property. Instead, the evidence suggested she had been killed inside the home and her body hidden in a desperate attempt to conceal the crime.
After weeks of searching, investigators made a heartbreaking discovery. London’s remains were found inside a sealed plastic bin located in an SUV connected to the suspects. The grisly find confirmed the family’s worst fears and ended all hope that she would be found alive.
The Shelby County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as asphyxia, meaning London had been deprived of oxygen. This revelation intensified the investigation, prompting prosecutors to charge both Jalen and Charla with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
According to the arrest affidavit, Charla allegedly played an active role in the cover-up. On April 11—six days after London’s disappearance—she reportedly asked someone to help move the sealed bin into the SUV where the victim’s remains were later discovered. Investigators believe this act was part of an effort to conceal the homicide.
Authorities described the case as deeply disturbing, pointing to the calculated deception that followed the killing. Detectives say Charla misled police, claiming London had walked out of the house unharmed. But mounting forensic and digital evidence dismantled that story, ultimately leading to both suspects’ arrests.
The Memphis Police Department emphasized that this case underscores the importance of persistence in missing person investigations. They credited tireless work from detectives and digital forensic teams for uncovering the truth behind the lies that initially clouded the case.
London’s family remains devastated by the loss of their daughter, describing her as a bright, kind-hearted young woman with a promising future. Community members have gathered for vigils, demanding accountability and calling for justice in her memory. As the case proceeds through the court system, the family clings to hope that those responsible for her death will face the full weight of the law.