A WOMAN has been arrested after a baby was found dead in a hearse.
The 1-year-old girl’s mother was charged with capital murder after the child was discovered at an Alabama funeral home on Saturday.
Terica Pearl, 29, was found to be the suspect after a day-long investigation by police.
“When our first patrol officers arrived at the scene, they had almost no information to begin with. What followed was a determined and collective effort,” the Gadsden Police Department stated in their release.
“In under 12 hours, the investigation moved from uncertainty to an arrest.”
When the body was discovered, workers thought the body was a doll at first, the funeral home owner Dantez Robinson told WBRC-6 News.
“I got a call from one of my employees,” Robinson said.
“He was getting ready to do some grounds work, and we…found an infant baby inside one of the hearses.”
The baby was identified as Blessence Pearl, according to the outlet.
She was not found in a casket.
“This was a tough case for everybody involved,” the town’s mayor, Craig Ford, said in a statement.
“I’m proud of how our police department pursued the truth and achieved results. While an arrest doesn’t erase the pain, it does bring us one step closer to delivering justice for this child.”
According to the IndyStar, Pearl had worked at the funeral home.
“This morning, an infant baby girl was left in one of our hearses, not due to any fault of the Funeral Home, but by one of our employees. The police were called right away and an investigation is underway with our full cooperation,” they explained to ABC 33/40.
“We ask that you stop with the negativity without knowing the facts.”
The mother is now being held without bond at Etowah County Jail.
Gadsden Police Department’s statement
On Aug. 10, police released the following statement:
“When the first patrol officers arrived, there was hardly any information available. What ensued was a resolute and collective effort. Patrol secured the scene, our forensic unit carefully documented and preserved evidence, and detectives pursued leads swiftly, driven by experience, skill, and focus. In less than 12 hours, the investigation progressed from uncertainty to an arrest.
“This case was challenging for everyone involved,” said Mayor Craig Ford. “I’m proud of how our police department sought out the truth and succeeded. An arrest doesn’t remove the pain, but it does mean we’re closer to securing justice for this child.”
This result is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every team member. From the initial officer on the scene to the final piece of evidence processed, each individual’s contribution was essential to resolving this case. In every situation, but particularly in moments like these, our team operates with Pride, Integrity, and Excellence. They utilize every skill, resource, and determination to ensure justice is served.
We are also grateful to our partners at EMACC, the FBI, and the Huntsville Police Department for their timely support in bringing this case to resolution. We would also like to give the utmost thanks to our community partners who were absolutely instrumental in getting us to this point.
While the investigative phase is complete, this case will now move forward through the judicial process. The memory of this child will remain with us, and we will continue to stand for justice in every case, no matter how difficult. We at the Gadsden Police Department will not be releasing the name of the child out of respect for the family.”
Source: Gadsen PD
“While the investigative phase is complete, this case will now move forward through the judicial process,” the police department wrote.
“The memory of this child will remain with us, and we will continue to stand for justice in every case, no matter how difficult.”
A Facebook account seemingly belonging to the mother had made multiple posts that discussed parenting and mental health before the chilling discovery.
“I really feel bad for people that be stuck with they kids 24/7 & have to try to convince theyself that it makes them a better mama,” read one post she shared just days before the baby was found.
“[B]uild a family, get you a support system, catch a break.”
“You never know what a person is battling on a daily basis,” another post that she reshared in late July said.
“Most people smile during the roughest times of their lives. Mental health is real.”
A friend of the baby’s grandmother spoke to WVTM 13 at a vigil held for the girl.
“Her heart is completely torn up,” Ekra Tolbert told the outlet.
“I couldn’t sleep last night so I know she couldn’t sleep last night cause she’s the grandmother.”
