Woman Arrested in Connection to Detroit Teen’s Death
A woman has been arrested and charged with lying to police in connection with the death of 17-year-old London Thomas, a Detroit teen whose body was discovered after she had been missing for three weeks. This case, which has captivated the attention of many in the community, has left loved ones of Thomas searching for answers regarding her tragic and untimely death.
The Disappearance and Discovery of London Thomas
London Thomas, a teenager from Detroit, was last seen on April 5th, 2025, at a family home in Inkster, Michigan. Her family had been desperately searching for her, and their worst fears were confirmed when her body was discovered in an SUV in Southfield just last week. The discovery followed an intensive investigation that initially led authorities to detain two people, hoping to build a case that would lead to homicide charges. The investigation has left many with more questions than answers about what happened in the weeks leading up to her death.
Arrest and Charges Against Charlotte Pendergrass
On May 1, 2025, Charlotte Pendergrass, a woman believed to be a relative of Thomas, was arrested and arraigned in connection to the case. Pendergrass is charged with a four-year felony for lying to police officers during the investigation into Thomas’s death. Investigators have stated that Pendergrass made false or misleading statements, which hindered the investigation. Her arrest comes after a week-long period in which Thomas’s boyfriend had been named as a person of interest but was not charged. Pendergrass’s charges, however, are not considered to be the final developments in the case, and law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation, with the potential for more charges to be filed in the future.
The Defense’s Reaction
Pendergrass’s defense attorney, Terry Johnson, responded publicly to the charges, questioning the legitimacy of the case. Johnson argued that Pendergrass’s constitutional rights were violated during the investigation and her detention. According to the defense, Pendergrass was initially detained on a potential homicide charge, only to be released and subsequently charged with lying to the police. Johnson’s statement suggests that the prosecution may be grasping at straws, trying to find a way to hold Pendergrass accountable despite the absence of more serious charges.
Family and Community Reactions
As the investigation continues, the Thomas family is still mourning the loss of London and struggling with the lack of clarity about the circumstances of her death. London’s grandmother spoke out, expressing her belief that Pendergrass’s relative, who had been in a relationship with Thomas, was involved in the young woman’s death. The grandmother voiced her conviction that Pendergrass’s relative had played a role in Thomas’s tragic death and should be held accountable.
The arrest of Pendergrass has sparked mixed reactions within the community, with some expressing relief that progress is being made, while others remain doubtful of the charge of lying to police. The Thomas family, particularly, is hoping for more answers and continues to demand justice for London.
The Ongoing Investigation
As of now, the investigation into London Thomas’s death remains ongoing. Michigan State Police, in collaboration with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, is continuing to work on the case. While Charlotte Pendergrass faces a charge of lying to police, detectives have made it clear that this is not the end of the investigation. More charges could be announced in the future as the authorities continue to piece together the events that led to London’s tragic death.
Looking for Justice
The tragic death of London Thomas has left a community searching for answers. While the arrest of Charlotte Pendergrass marks a significant development in the case, there is still much to be uncovered. For the family of London Thomas, the journey towards justice is far from over, and they continue to wait for more answers regarding what really happened in those final weeks of their loved one’s life.
As the investigation unfolds, the Thomas family, along with the broader community, hopes that those responsible for London’s death will be held accountable, and that the truth will eventually come to light. The grief and frustration felt by London’s family are compounded by the uncertainty that still surrounds her death, and the need for justice is more pressing than ever.
