GADSDEN, Ala. – A tragic discovery at a local funeral home has led to the arrest of an Alabama mother, Terica Pearl, who is now charged with the murder of her 1-year-old daughter, Blessence Pearl.
The child’s body was found Saturday inside a hearse at the West Gadsden Funeral Home. According to police, funeral home employees had just returned from a service when someone noticed what they believed was a doll inside the hearse. Upon closer inspection, they realized it was the lifeless body of a baby girl who was not inside a casket.
Gadsden Police moved quickly, and within 12 hours, they arrested Pearl. Lt. Dusty Ford noted the rapid progression of the investigation from uncertainty to an arrest.
Dantez Robinson, the funeral home owner, confirmed that the discovery was both unexpected and deeply distressing for his staff.
“This was a tough case for everybody involved,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “I’m proud of the way our police department pursued the truth. An arrest doesn’t erase the pain, but it brings us closer to justice for this child.”
Terica Pearl is currently being held at the Etowah County Jail without bond. The investigation remains ongoing.
