Gadsden, Alabama — A once-quiet Saturday morning turned tragic when funeral home staff discovered the body of a 1-year-old girl inside a hearse, initially mistaken for a doll. The child, identified as Blessence Pearl, was found lifeless at West Gadsden Funeral Home around 11:45 a.m. on August 9, 2025, prompting a swift homicide investigation by the Gadsden Police Department .

Authorities moved with urgency. By 1:48 a.m. on August 10, 29-year-old Terica Pearl—Blessence’s mother—was arrested and charged with capital murder, held without bond at Etowah County Jail . Court records later revealed a chilling detail: the toddler had been strangled with a thick robe string, according to reports .

Funeral home owner Dantez Robinson, who discovered the body, described the devastating moment: employees began preparing grounds work after returning from an outing and initially thought a doll was in the hearse. Instead, they were met with the unthinkable — Blessence’s small form, not placed in a casket but lying there, lifeless .

The Gadsden Police Department praised their coordinated response. “In under 12 hours, the investigation moved from uncertainty to an arrest,” said Lieutenant Dusty Ford, underscoring the team’s resolve . Mayor Craig Ford acknowledged the emotional toll on the community: “An arrest doesn’t take away the hurt, but it does mean we’re one step closer to justice for this child” .

A vigil was held in Blessence’s memory, where mourners expressed profound grief. One close friend of the child’s grandmother remarked, “Her heart is completely torn up … I couldn’t sleep last night so I know she couldn’t sleep last night cause she’s the grandmother.” Funeral home staff also emphasized they bore no fault and are fully supporting investigators .

Investigations continue as Gadsden police urge the public to provide any information that may aid the case. The memory of Blessence Pearl endures, and officials stress their commitment: “We will continue to stand for justice in every case, no matter how difficult”.