'I Want Them to Get the Maximum Penalty': Teen's Family Demands Justice as Mother and Son Are Accused

A Detroit teenager's family has renewed calls for justice after a judge ruled that a mother and son must stand trial on murder charges, marking a major step forward in a case that has gripped the community for months.

The ruling prompted emotional reactions from relatives of London Thomas, who have said they want the harshest possible punishment if those accused are convicted.

Judge Orders Mother and Son to Stand Trial

On Friday, Judge Sabrina Johnson ruled that both defendants were bound over for trial following a preliminary hearing in Wayne County. Twenty-three-year-old Jalen Pendergrass of Inkster and his mother, forty-nine-year-old Charla Pendergrass of Clawson, will face charges including first degree murder, felony murder, unlawful imprisonment and tampering with evidence.

Jalen Pendergrass was remanded to jail in October, while Charla Pendergrass was granted bond set at five million dollars (£3.65 million) cash.

What Prosecutors Say Happened to London Thomas

Prosecutors allege that London Thomas, who they say was Jalen Pendergrass' girlfriend, was reported missing on 5 April after she failed to return home. She was last seen around four in the morning when she was allegedly dropped off at Jalen's home in Inkster.

A multi agency investigation was launched involving the Inkster Police Department, Detroit Police, the FBI and Michigan State Police. On 26 April, Thomas' body was found inside an SUV in Southfield that authorities said had been parked there for approximately two weeks.

Alleged Cover-Up and Evidence Claims

According to prosecutors, a male acquaintance of Charla Pendergrass contacted Inkster police on 26 April and provided key information.

As reported by Court TV, prosecutors said the man told investigators that Charla Pendergrass had called him and asked him to transport a sealed plastic bin, which was later linked to the SUV where London Thomas' body was found.

He told investigators that the bin was placed inside an SUV on Millard Street in Southfield on 11 April, the same vehicle where Thomas' body was later discovered.

Wayne County assistant prosecuting attorney Dominic Degrazia said the evidence would show an extended effort to conceal what happened. He told the court that the case involved repeated attempts to mislead law enforcement and cover up the alleged crime.

Family Demands the Maximum Penalty

The judge's ruling prompted strong emotional responses from Thomas' family, who have repeatedly spoken about their desire for accountability.

Thomas' father, Cedric Salisbury, said the decision was long overdue and expressed relief that the case is now moving forward. He said the family had believed for months that something had happened to his daughter and welcomed what he described as the truth finally coming to light.

Her grandmother, Jestina Martin, was more direct, saying, 'I want them to get the maximum penalty they can get for my granddaughter.' She spoke of her ongoing grief and said she continues to struggle with the loss.

Defence Maintains Innocence

Both defendants are expected to plead not guilty. Their attorneys have said they maintain their innocence and have criticised the prosecution's case.

Jalen Pendergrass' lawyer, Adam Clements, urged the public to withhold judgement and allow the evidence to be tested at trial.

Charla Pendergrass' attorney, Terry L. Johnson, said the case had previously been dismissed in other courts and expressed confidence that a jury would ultimately find his client not guilty.

What Happens Next

With the preliminary phase complete, the case will now move toward trial in Wayne County. If convicted, the charges carry the possibility of life sentences, a prospect that Thomas' family says would represent justice for a teenager whose death has left a lasting impact on those who loved her.