Mom Arrested After 1-Year-Old Baby Found Dead in Hearse at Funeral Home

In a heartbreaking and deeply unsettling incident in Gadsden, Alabama, 1-year-old Blessence Pearl was found deceased inside a hearse at the West Gadsden Funeral Home on the morning of Saturday, August 9, 2025. Staff initially mistook the child for a doll when discovering her in the vehicle—not in a casket—while preparing grounds maintenance  .

The Gadsden Police Department quickly launched a homicide investigation, and within 12 hours, arrested the child’s mother, 29-year-old Terica Pearl, in connection with her death. She is currently held without bond at the Etowah County Jail  .

According to court records, the toddler’s death was caused by strangulation using a thick robe string  .

Community Response and Investigative Update

The community has been shaken by the tragedy. A vigil at the funeral home building was held, where mourners gathered to pay tribute to the young victim. Funeral home owner Dantez Robinson expressed profound sorrow:

“My heart is broken, my heart goes out to this family. We are servicing this family, we are so sad that this happened.” 

Meanwhile, Mayor Craig Ford commended law enforcement’s swift and thorough response:

“An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child.” 

Lieutenant Dusty Ford also emphasized the department’s dedication to seeing the case through:

“In under 12 hours, the investigation moved from uncertainty to an arrest… The memory of this child will remain with us, and we will continue to stand for justice in every case, no matter how difficult.” 

What We Know So Far

• Discovery: Saturday, August 9 — the child was found in a hearse by funeral home staff, who initially thought the child was a doll.  
• Response: Authorities responded quickly and deemed the death a homicide investigation.  
• Arrest: On Sunday, August 10, Terica Pearl was arrested in connection with the case and is held without bond.  
• Cause: Court documents reveal the cause of death was strangulation by a robe string.  
• Public Reaction: A vigil was held, and both community members and local officials have voiced grief and support for seeking justice.  

This case remains under investigation as judicial proceedings unfold. Let me know if you’d like updates on court developments, background on similar cases, or how local agencies are responding to support grieving families.