The Body of a toddler was found in a hearse Saturday at the West Gadsden Funeral Home. According to the report, an employee found the child when getting ready to do some grounds work. At first they thought they saw a doll in the vehicle but when they opened the door, they discovered a female child under the age of 3.
Gadsden Police were called to investigate. A homicide investigation was begun with detectives and officers working throughout the day to find the person responsible for this crime.
An arrest was made late Saturday in the case.
The Gadsden Police Department has arrested Terrica Pearl, in relation to the homicide investigation at West Gadsden Funeral Home.
When the first patrol officers arrived on scene, there was little to no information to work from. What followed was a relentless, coordinated effort. Patrol secured the scene, our forensics unit meticulously documented and preserved evidence, and detectives began running down leads at a pace that only comes from experience, skill, and focus. In under 12 hours, the investigation moved from uncertainty to an arrest.
“This was a tough case for everybody involved,” said Mayor Craig
Ford. “I’m proud of the way our police department went after the
truth and got it done. An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it
does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child.”
This outcome is the direct result of the hard work and determination of
every member of our team. From the first officer on scene to the last
piece of evidence processed, each person played a vital role in bringing
this case to a close. In every case, but especially in moments like
this, our team serves with Pride, Integrity, and Excellence. They draw
on every skill, every resource, and every ounce of resolve to see
justice done.
We are also grateful to our partners at EMACC, the FBI, and the
Huntsville Police Department for their timely support in bringing this
case to resolution. We would also like to give the utmost thanks to our
community partners who were absolutely instrumental in getting us to
this point.
While the investigative phase is complete, this case will now move
forward through the judicial process. The memory of this child will
remain with us, and we will continue to stand for justice in every case,
no matter how difficult. We at the Gadsden Police Department will not be
releasing the name of the child out of respect for the family.
The name of the child will not be released out of respect for the family.
No further details are available at this time.
