Neighbors in Gadsden say child’s death affects entire city

GADSDEN, Ala. (WBRC) - The city of Gadsden is trying to get over the shock and tragedy that someone left a 1-year-old dead inside a hearse.

Community members say so many questions about what happened remain unanswered.

Lieutenant Dusty Ford with the Gadsden Police Department said his officers, as well as other first responders, had a hard time dealing with what they saw on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Ford says many officers have children of their own and have to maintain their professionalism despite seeing heartbreaking cases like this.

Terica Pearl, the child’s mother is being charged with murder. According to court records, she’s accused of strangulation by using a thick robe string.

Many neighbors in Gadsden say it’s the sadness and heartbreak for a pretty little girl named Blessence Pearl who didn’t deserve this.

“I wish that we had a village that was there that could have helped her with the baby. She could’ve brought the baby to the daycare, the fire station before it got to the tragedy and I wish we could’ve just been there for her, the baby,” said Katrena Flambo.

Neighbors in Gadsden said they are unable to sleep as they try to cope with why someone would do this to an innocent child.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.