Community holds vigil for child found in Gadsden funeral home hearse
Community Mourns the Loss of Blessence Pearl at Candlelight Vigil
Gadsden, Ala. — A candlelight vigil was hosted by the West Gadsden Funeral Home in memory of Blessence Pearl, a 21-month-old girl found deceased inside a hearse. Attended by community members, the event included prayer and song, offering support to the grieving family. Neighbors expressed their sorrow, emphasizing the shared pain of losing a child. “The city of Gadsden is showing love for others,” said local resident Vicki Ecxford.
Organized by Dantez Robinson, the vigil aimed to unite the community in solidarity with Blessence’s family during their unimaginable loss. “My heart fell to my feet,” he shared, reflecting on the impact of the tragedy. Longtime friend of the child’s grandmother, Ekra Tolbert, conveyed her deep empathy, recognizing the immense pain the grandmother is enduring.
In a development related to the case, the Gadsden Police Department announced the arrest of Terica Pearl, 29, on murder charges. She is currently held without bond. Mayor Craig Ford acknowledged the challenges faced throughout the investigation, highlighting the police’s efforts to seek justice for the child.
The investigation began Saturday after a groundskeeper discovered the body while moving the hearse. The funeral home manager reported that the hearse was locked the previous night. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in providing closure to the community, as many seek answers following this heart-wrenching incident.
Read the complete article here: https://www.wvtm13.com/article/child-body-gadsden-funeral-home-homicide/65644208
