by Gadsden, Alabama – A 29-year-old Alabama mother is facing a capital murder charge after authorities say she strangled her 1-year-old daughter and left the child’s body inside a hearse at a local funeral home in the middle of the night. The disturbing case has shocked the community and raised haunting questions about what led up to the crime.
The Disturbing Discovery
On the morning of August 9, staff at the West Gadsden Funeral Home made a chilling discovery. A groundskeeper who went to move a hearse parked outside noticed something unusual in the back. When he opened the vehicle, he found the body of a young child later identified as Blessence Pearl.
The funeral home’s director, Dantez Robinson, described the moment as unlike anything he had ever experienced in his years of work.
“To see something like this really sent me into another level of shock,” Robinson told AL.com. “We want this baby to have justice.”
How Police Traced the Mother
Police quickly launched an investigation and reviewed surveillance footage from the area. The video, prosecutors say, showed Terica Pearl, the child’s mother, walking southbound toward the funeral home around 2:30 a.m. on August 9 while holding a baby in her arms.
Roughly two and a half hours later, the same woman was seen walking back—this time without the child.
When investigators questioned Pearl, they say she broke down, allegedly screaming, “Oh my God, what have I done?!” during her interview.
Details from Court Testimony
At a preliminary hearing on August 22 in Etowah County, prosecutors revealed harrowing details about how Blessence died.
According to Gadsden Police Sgt. Nick Keener, the lead investigator, Pearl allegedly strangled the toddler with a robe string described as being similar in thickness to a shoelace. Police later recovered the robe with the string ripped from it.
Prosecutors also said Pearl told authorities she felt “compelled” to walk to the funeral home, claiming she believed Blessence would somehow be safe there.
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The Courtroom Scene
During the hearing, Pearl reportedly cried as prosecutors laid out the evidence against her. Her defense attorney, Shaun Malone, argued that the state has not presented enough proof to convict her of capital murder.
Malone also requested that records from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) related to Pearl and her daughter be released, suggesting they could shed more light on the family’s history and what may have led to the tragedy.
“Those records would be illuminous to how we all got here today,” Malone said, according to WBRC.
Community and Official Reactions
The shocking case has left a deep mark on Gadsden. Officials have said the situation has been especially difficult for first responders and investigators involved.
Robinson, the funeral home director and assistant coroner, expressed grief and disbelief at the incident. Having dealt with tragic and unsettling cases before, he said this one was nearly beyond comprehension.
“To do this, you’re sick in the head,” Robinson told reporters. He later vowed to personally ensure that Blessence receives a proper burial, even offering to cover expenses out of his own pocket.
The Charge and Possible Penalties
Pearl has been charged with capital murder, one of the most serious offenses under Alabama law. If convicted, she could face life in prison without parole or even the death penalty.
The case remains ongoing, with prosecutors continuing to build evidence while the defense seeks additional records to challenge the state’s claims.
A Community Searching for Answers
Neighbors, officials, and even seasoned professionals are struggling to process what happened. The chilling details—from the robe string used in the killing to the haunting image of Pearl walking with her baby in the middle of the night—have left many shaken.
For Robinson and others who saw the aftermath firsthand, the priority now is ensuring that Blessence is laid to rest with dignity.
“This baby deserves justice,” Robinson said.
Key Takeaways
- Mother charged: Terica Pearl, 29, is accused of strangling her 1-year-old daughter with a robe string.
- Body found in hearse: Blessence Pearl was discovered at West Gadsden Funeral Home on August 9.
- Surveillance evidence: Cameras captured Pearl walking toward the funeral home with her child at 2:30 a.m., then leaving without her.
- Court hearing: Prosecutors laid out gruesome details; defense is pushing for DHR records.
- Community impact: The case has left Gadsden in shock, with the funeral home director vowing to bury the child.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking case? Should Alabama law take into account possible mental health factors in situations like this, or should the focus remain solely on justice for the victim? Share your views in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
