The mother of a 1-year-old baby found dead in a funeral home’s hearse has been charged in her murder and is being held without bond, authorities in Gadsden, Alabama, said.

A groundskeeper at West Gadsden Funeral Home discovered the child’s body at about 11:45 a.m. Saturday while reparking the hearse, WVTM-TV reported. At first glance, employees thought it was a doll, and were shocked upon opening the vehicle door to find a baby, funeral home director Dantez Robinson told WBRC-TV.

With “little to no information to work from,” the Gadsden Police Department launched a homicide investigation, assisted by other agencies, including the FBI. Police also sought public input, the department said in a statement.

Twelve hours of “relentless, coordinated effort” later, officers arrested 29-year-old Terrica Pearl in the murder of her daughter and booked her into Etowah County Jail at 1:48 a.m. Sunday.

“This was a tough case for everybody involved,” said Craig Ford, mayor of the 33,086-population city about 60 miles northeast of Birmingham. “An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child.”

A groundskeeper at West Gadsden Funeral Home discovered the child’s body at about 11:45 a.m. Saturday while parking the hearse, WVTM-TV reported. (Google)

Authorities did not release the baby’s identity or say how she died, but her name was revealed at a vigil the funeral home hosted Sunday. Dozens of stricken community members, city officials and family members gathered in front of the building to celebrate 21-month-old Blessence Pearl with prayers and song.

Funeral arrangements were still pending on Monday, but would be free for the family, Robinson said, according to The Anniston Star.

https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/11/murder-baby-baby-alabama-hearse-mother-arrested/