The family of 17-year-old London Thomas says they feel “failed” by the justice system after charges were dropped against the mother of the teen’s boyfriend — one of only two people ever arrested in connection to the case.
Thomas was last seen on April 5 when she was dropped off at her 23-year-old boyfriend’s home in Inkster. On April 26, her body was found inside a white SUV in Southfield near 8 Mile and Telegraph. Neighbors say the SUV had been parked in a driveway for about two weeks before police made the discovery.
The boyfriend’s mother, Charla Rashida Pendergrass, 48, was charged earlier this year with lying to a peace officer during the investigation. Prosecutors later dismissed the case without prejudice after determining the person she allegedly lied to was a federal agent, who does not meet Michigan’s definition of a “peace officer.”
London’s boyfriend has not been charged in her death. He was arrested after her body was found, released, but later re-arrested in a separate Novi Police Department case, accused of filing a false police report in 2024. He was given a $25,000 bond and released on May 5.
MDN’s FOIA request for London’s autopsy was denied by the Oakland County ME, who said they don’t release reports in homicide cases — confirming for the 1st time that her death is a homicide investigation.
The family says they were never told the charge against the boyfriend’s mother would be dropped this week.
“I honestly don’t believe they’re doing enough. Even from the beginning,” said London’s father Cedric Salisbury.
“They’re not even calling… It’s like the justice system has failed,” said her grandmother, Jestina Martin. “Her son is not locked up. She’s not locked up. The last place she was seen was at their house, she ended up in a car dead. How did she get there from point A to point B?”
Her grandma also pushed back on claims the couple had split. “They didn’t break up, they were still talking. If you feel like they weren’t together, why would you even let my granddaughter in your house…She lied to me (referring to London boyfriend’s mom). She lied to the FBI… So why are they still on the streets,” Martin said.
MSP have not released any new updates.
