DETROIT (WWJ) -- The ex-boyfriend of a slain Detroit teenager has pleaded guilty in her murder.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Thursday that 23-year-old Jalen Pendergrass pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old London Thomas, who was last seen alive at his home in Inkster on April 5, 2025.
London ThomasCrime Stoppers of MichiganThe teen was reported missing, setting off a multi-agency search that ultimately led police to Thomas' body, sealed inside a plastic bin in a vehicle in Southfield.
An autopsy found that Thomas died from asphyxiation.
As part of Pendergrass' plea, the felony murder tampering with evidence, and unlawful imprisonment charges against him were dismissed.
Jalen Pendergrass is now scheduled to be sentenced on July 31, and is facing up to life in prison.
Pendergrass's mother, Charla Pendergrass, was also charged for allegedly having a friend move the bin with Thomas' body inside.
Charla Pendergrass' case is moving forward independently. She faces possible life in prison on charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy to tamper with evidence.
