(WXYZ) — A 48-year-old woman was arraigned Friday afternoon in connection to the death of Detroit teen London Thomas
Charla Rasida Pendergrass is charged with lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation
VIDEO: Charla Pendergrass taken into custody
Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Anna Merigian told the court that there is video evidence to show Pendergrass lied to police
Watch the full arraignment of Charla Pendergrass below:
Pendergrass' attorney entered a not guilty plea on her behalf during the arraignment
The judge set bond at $50,000 cash surety and said she would need to have a GPS tether and no contact with any witnesses if released on bond
it is alleged that Defendant Pendergrass failed to tell the truth to FBI agents while they were conducting a criminal investigation into the death of London Thomas
Aspects of the case currently remain under investigation and no further information will be released at this time," according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
Pendergrass' probable cause conference has been scheduled for Wednesday
Pendergrass is one of two suspects who were arrested on Saturday
an attorney reported that both had been released from jail Friday morning
Pendergrass was taken back into custody later on the charge she's now facing
Thomas' family is now reacting to this latest development in the case
"I want justice for my granddaughter, and I know she's lying. I know she has something to do with my granddaughter's death," Thomas’ grandmother Jestina Martin said
The attorney representing the suspects also talked to 7 News Detroit about the case on Friday
Johnson speaks out after woman arraigned on charge in connection to death of London Thomas
they were turned in on a homicide charge and they were held ..
we’ve got that,’ and they come out with lying to a police officer ..
they are doing nothing but grasping at straws at this point," defense attorney Terry L
Previous report: Suspects in London Thomas' death in custody
Johnson has said neither of his two clients is the right person
The pair were reportedly originally taken into custody and transported to the Detroit Detention Center Saturday night after investigators found 17-year-old Thomas’ body
Previous report: 2 suspects in custody after body of missing teen London Thomas found in Southfield
Thomas was last seen April 5 in Inkster and reported missing three days later
A 23-year-old man with whom Thomas was in a relationship with and whose home was raided two weeks ago in connection to the case is believed to be the last person to see her alive
Previous report: FBI and police raid Inkster home of missing teen London Thomas' boyfriend
Thomas’ body was found inside a parked white SUV in Southfield last weekend
Neighbors told 7 News Detroit the SUV had been parked there for two weeks
Blooming Enterprise utilized this flyer on social media sites when seeking volunteers
were found in a U-Haul truck Saturday afternoon
The Inkster Police Department received a report of a possible stolen vehicle in a driveway in the 3000 block of Inkster Road at about 12:45 p.m
Police located the truck and found the bodies of a black man and a white woman
Police are withholding their identities until the next of kin have been identified
several officers and a police K-9 were still at the scene
Several streets remained blocked by police cars or were sectioned off with tape
Inkster and Michigan State Police are investigating the incident
Police ask anyone with information about the incident to call Michigan State Police at 734-287-5000
More: Detroit mom's world 'turned upside down' after daughter's killing. She fears others slain
This is the second time in less than a week that bodies have been found in a vehicle in the Detroit Metro area
three bodies were found in a burned vehicle in a Detroit alley
It was later determined that two women had been shot and a 9-year-old girl had been stabbed
INKSTER
– Police in Inkster are warning residents of false information circulating online
A viral social media post claims that an Inkster police officer has gone missing and that her vehicle was found with her daughter inside
Inkster police said this isn’t true and that there is no credible evidence to support the post
The only thing that appears to be true in the post is that police officers exist
Notably, the woman in the photograph is not an Inkster police officer, but is a 2019 photo of a SWAT officer who was based out of Lodi in the Central Valley of California
The woman in the shared photograph is wearing a uniform that has a Lodi patch on her shoulder and also a nametag that is different from the name used in the viral social media post
Residents are urged to be cautious about sharing unverified information online, as doing so can cause unnecessary fear and divert valuable resources from real situations.
Those who see have questions regarding public safety information are asked to contact police directly for confirmation.
Copyright 2025 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Dane Kelly is an Oreo enthusiast and producer who has spent the last seven years covering Michigan news and stories.
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(WXYZ) — The boyfriend of London Thomas has been arrested and charged in an unrelated case after her death
has been charged with count of false report of a felony
which is a felony charge punishable up to four years in prison and a $2000 fine
He is still considered a person of interest by both the Michigan State Police and the Detroit Police Department in Thomas' death
with prosecutors attempting to charge him in the case
Pendergrass was arrested earlier this weekend for allegedly filing a false police report a year ago
He is being held in the Oakland County Jail
The attorney says police are making arrests for a case they're not prepared to bring to court
was arraigned on a charge in connection London's death
Charla was charged with lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation
think about this: Your cameras here at Channel 7 were the only ones out front when Charla Pendergrass was arrested
They want to do everything they can to destroy the reputation of my clients to make their case
a case which they do not have," said Defense attorney Terry L
WATCH OUR FRIDAY REPORT AND CHARLA'S ARRAIGNMENT
Jalen Pendergrass is believed to be the last person to see her alive
INKSTER, Mich. – Two people were found shot to death in a U-Haul in Inkster.
Inkster police said they responded around 12:45 p.m. Saturday to a call about a possible stolen vehicle parked in the driveway of a home in the 3000 block of Inkster Road.
Police said they discovered two bodies inside the U-Haul and that both people had died from apparent gunshot wounds.
The victims have not been identified, but police say it was a man and a woman, both appear to be in their 30s.
Police said the U-Haul had been reported stolen and that the investigation remains active.
Anyone with information about what happened should call Michigan State Police at 734-287-5000 or the Inkster Police Department at 313-563-9850.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.
Inkster police are searching for a suspect or suspects after two people were shot while walking down the road in Inkster on Wednesday afternoon
Police Chief Tamika Jenkins said six people were walking from a store near the intersection of Inkster and Avondale when someone opened fire on them
Two of the six men were shot and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries
we counted around 30 evidence markers as investigators combed through the scene
Police also had witnesses walk investigators through the scene
“This type of behavior is not going to be tolerated in the city of Inkster
We’re working really hard to change how people perceive the city and the department
We just have zero tolerance for this type of behavior," Chief Jenkins said
Jacqueline Francis
DETROIT – A Detroit teen who had been missing since April 5 was found dead Saturday after weeks of searching
was last seen on April 5 when she was dropped off at her boyfriend’s house on Carlysle Street in Inkster
---> Update: 2 suspects in custody after missing Detroit teen London Thomas found dead, police say
Inkster police confirm to Local 4 that Thomas was found dead Saturday after they received a tip and forwarded it to the FBI
It’s unclear where she was found and what circumstances led to her death at this time
her family and community members had been searching for Thomas
searched the home of the teen’s boyfriend on Carlysle Street in Inkster last week
Anyone with information should contact the Detroit Police Department’s 8th Precinct at 313-596-5840 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online
READ: More Missing in Michigan coverage
Ken Haddad has been with Local 4/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He helps lead news coverage and content across broadcast and digital platforms. He's from the Metro Detroit area, and loves covering important news (and sports) in his hometown.
(WXYZ) — A small house in Inkster that played a pivotal role in Malcolm X's life will soon open its doors to the public
where Malcolm X discovered his Muslim faith and changed his name from Malcolm Little
has been carefully restored to preserve its historical significance
Related Video: Take a tour of the Malcolm X Inkster house
It was in this home during the 1950s that Malcolm X underwent a profound transformation that would shape American history
"Wilfred was already writing letters to Malcolm while he was in prison, telling him about the Nation of Islam," said Aaron Sims, founder of Project We Hope, Dream and Believe
"He went from Malcolm Little to Malcolm X in this house
He got him started at the Mosque Temple No.1 and things of that nature," Sims said
The restoration project focused on authenticity
preserving elements like the original bathtub where Malcolm X performed religious washing rituals
This is the original tub where they actually came and washed their feet in," Sims said
The team worked meticulously to recreate the home's interior
from exact paint colors to period-appropriate furniture styles
"This will be the living room that we reconstructed
Wilfred's daughter has been providing details about life in the home during the 1950s
helping to ensure historical accuracy in the restoration
she's been like the instrumental to letting us know like what it was like in the 1950s when she lived here," Sims said
Visitors can explore the bedroom shared by Malcolm and his brother Wilfred
along with other rooms that have been carefully restored to their original condition
The historic site will open to the public on May 17. For more information, click here
– Police and FBI agents searched a home in Inkster related to a missing 17-year-old girl
London Thomas was last seen April 5 after being dropped off at a house in Inkster
Authorities searched her boyfriend’s home in Inkster without finding any new leads Thursday
It was the second time the home was searched
Her mother said the boyfriend is 23 years old
The family is growing increasingly anxious as the 17-year-old’s cell phone last pinged near Hines Park in Westland.
Read: ‘All will be forgiven’: Tearful mother of missing 17-year-old from Inkster sends heartfelt message
The Detroit Police Department has now taken over the investigation and is looking into a person of interest
Anyone who has seen London Thomas or knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5840 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.
officers from the Inkster Police Department responded to a call regarding a possible stolen vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence in the 3000 block of Inkster Road
officers discovered two deceased individuals—an adult Black male and an adult White female—inside a U-Haul truck
Preliminary findings indicate that both individuals sustained apparent gunshot wounds
The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin
This is an active and ongoing investigation
The Michigan State Police and the Inkster Police Department are working jointly to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic incident
Additional information will be released as it becomes available and as appropriate for the integrity of the investigation
Anyone with information that may assist law enforcement is urged to contact the Michigan State Police at 734-287-5000 or the Inkster Police Department at 313-563-9850
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800 SPEAK UP
the heartache grows for the family of 17-year-old London Thomas
Thomas disappeared nearly two weeks ago, last seen on April 5 after being dropped off at a house in Inkster
The family is growing increasingly anxious as the 17-year-old’s cell phone last pinged near Hines Park in Westland
People have been looking for her all day Thursday (April 17)
and they will not stop until she is back safe and sound
I don’t care about anything besides my daughter being back in my home alive
Update: ‘All will be forgiven’: Tearful mother of missing 17-year-old from Inkster sends heartfelt message
The pain of not knowing her daughter’s whereabouts gets harder to deal with every day for Bennett
She has never ever run away,” said Bennett
The 17-year-old has been missing since April 5
and her mother said she was last seen with a significant other
“My daughter was supposed to be leaving with her sister
She ended up getting dropped off at her boyfriend’s house
Who she was actually dating is 23 years old,” Bennett said
it appears that police did not question Thomas’ boyfriend
But the family is taking matters into their own hands
and now we think that it’s time to come back,” Bennett said
and classmates all came together on Thursday to search Hines Park
the area near where Thomas’ cell phone last pinged
So I had to do something,” a volunteer shared
We’re going to bring her home safe,” another volunteer added
The Detroit Police Department has now taken over the case
but officers are looking into a person of interest
the only thing I can do is leave it in God’s hands
Regardless of what led to Thomas’ disappearance
is conducting a second search at a residence in Inkster related to the missing person case of London Thomas
DPD has searched numerous locations as part of our continued efforts
we are unable to provide further details as the investigation is ongoing
Brandon Carr is a digital content producer for ClickOnDetroit and has been with WDIV Local 4 since November 2021. Brandon is the 2015 Solomon Kinloch Humanitarian award recipient for Community Service.
(WXYZ) — Authorities conducted a raid Thursday night at the Inkster home of the boyfriend of London Thomas
a 17-year-old girl who went missing earlier this month
Thomas was last seen on April 5 at her boyfriend’s home on Carlysle Street near Inkster Road
Investigators were looking for DNA evidence after receiving “concerning information they found during phone extractions,” Inkster police said
The FBI was at the scene with the Detroit and Inkster police departments
Detroit police said several locations have been searched during Thomas' disappearance
Her family hopes the raid of the home brings answers
so I can let my mom and my family know she's still out here or if he harmed her
we just want her alive and well," Thomas' aunt Yolanda Douglas said outside the home
While family says they aren't surprised where the investigation has led
they're heartbroken with how uncooperative they say the boyfriend has been
"All of these lies just to push us away from what we're trying to do
And then you have people coming from any and everywhere that want to direct you into different directions
That's what's bringing my sister down," Douglas said
We just need to know right here: what did you do with her
Thomas’ cellphone was last pinged in the area of Cooper Upper Elementary School on Ann Arbor Trail in Westland
Family and friends gathered at Hines Park in Westland on Thursday to continue the search for the teen
7 News Detroit spoke with Thomas’ mother Jasma Bennet on Thursday as they were out searching
She said the disappearance is entirely out of character
“She was very connected to her sisters,” Bennett said
“They didn’t go a day without talking to each other
no matter where they were or what they did
Bennett said the man Thomas was dating is 23 years old
Related video: 'We knew nothing.' Family searches for 17-year-old London Thomas in Westland
Detroit police say they are investigating the possibility of foul play and have identified two persons of interest
“We are looking into possible foul play,” said Detroit Major Crimes Commander Rebecca McKay
“We do have two persons of interest right now that we are investigating.”
Watch our full interview with London Thomas' mom in the video player below:
Thursday's search marked the second time the family has organized efforts to find Thomas
and that makes it even worse,” Bennett said
said the family is doing everything they can to stay hopeful
Related Video: Search continues for missing 17-year-old London Thomas
Bennett described her daughter as an outspoken teen with a soft heart
Anyone with information about London Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-SPEAK-UP or Detroit Rewards TV
(WXYZ) — Residents in Inkster are expressing growing frustration over what they describe as inconsistent and excessive water billing practices by the city
"We moved to this area to afford life better and it's still..
I'm struggling," resident Nicole Sweet said
Some homeowners report receiving water bills showing consumption rates that are dramatically higher than their typical usage
leading to concerns about the city's billing practices
"I'm afraid at this point to wash my dishes
so that's not using a bunch of water," Sweet said
Sweet and Ziad Elhady are among the residents who received bills that they said were shockingly high
"We went from 3 to 27 units of consumption," Elhady said
Elhady and his family of five used over 20,000 gallons of water in a single month — 10 times their typical use of just over 2,000 gallons
"That's like a mini-school at that point," Elhady said
received an even more surprising bill showing 37 units of consumption
When residents questioned these unusual bills at city hall
We will work on this and call you back later,'" Sweet said
Elhady described his interaction with city officials
"Even when I went over there the first time
she said 'are you sure there's not a leak?' I was like 'there's no way there's a leak..
explained that while the city purchases water wholesale from the Great Lakes Water Authority
they must also factor in costs for maintenance
labor and repairs to their aging water system
"We have a very old infrastructure like many communities around here
so it's constantly needing to be upgraded and updated," Bivins said
The city is planning to address the over-charging issues by installing new water meters with more precise technology
Hear more from Jerome Bivins in the video player below:
"This new system will improve the quality for the community and the residents on actual billing," Bivins said
the new meters will more accurately calculate water usage and can detect water leaks and main breaks
Residents interested in registering their homes for new water meters can start the process on the city's website
INKSTER, Mich. – A dispute between known acquaintances ended in a shooting that left one man hospitalized, and the shooter was arrested in Inkster.
The incident occurred on Monday (March 10) around 5:50 p.m. in the 800 block of Arlington Street.
Police are still determining what caused the dispute between the 25-year-old men, but the victim was listed in stable condition.
Officials said the weapon was recovered as well.
– The search for 17-year-old London Thomas continues as her mother and stepfather shared updates on the investigation surrounding her disappearance
Thomas disappeared almost two weeks ago. She was last seen on Saturday (April 5), when, according to her family, she was dropped off at her 23-year-old boyfriend’s house in Inkster
“The updates officially have been just that they are going inside the home during the raid to collect more evidence,” said Thomas’ mother
“Coming from some electronic evidence that they have received
I’m not for certain if it was text messages or calls
but that’s the last update really for today.”
When asked what message she wanted to convey to the community regarding her missing daughter
“Stick together in truth and do not be led astray
There will be people that will try to take advantage of you
And be as strong as you can surround those that only make you strong.”
Do not try to take the law into your own hands
even if you have to slow back and follow until the police catch up
Bennett expressed her deep concern for her daughter
She said she was grateful for the community that came out during the search in the area where her 17-year-old daughter’s phone last pinged
“I’m grateful for the community that came out
so it just took me by surprise when everybody came together
When asked about the circumstances of Thomas’s disappearance
both Johnson and Bennett confirmed that she was dropped off at her boyfriend’s house prior to going missing
They also mentioned having her older daughter’s cell phone information
verifying that Thomas was taken to that address
Bennett shared details about the ongoing investigation
they (boyfriend’s home) were raided by the FBI and ATF
It’s like we either go in a route that they’ll be looking for us next
or we stay strong and continue to wait and do things the right way
And I think that’s what’s gotten us this far: we’re working together
knowing what we all can do and can contribute to bring her home
Bennett sent out a personal message to Thomas as she held back tears
I don’t care what it is; you will be home with me
I just want her home as soon as possible,” Bennett said
--> ‘I just want her home’: Inkster family pleads for return of missing 17-year-old
I can confirm that the FBI was present in Inkster
Michigan conducting law enforcement activities; however
this does not indicate we have opened an investigation."
(WXYZ) — A 7-year-old girl who was attacked by two unattended pit bull dogs earlier this week in Inkster received a sweet surprise from city officials
The brutal attack happened on Monday in the area of John Daly and Florence streets
Previous coverage: 7-year-old girl left injured after dogs attacked her in Inkster
The girl was rushed to the hospital by police officers
A parade of police officers and the mayor surprised young Amariee Brown with flowers
gifts and balloons Thursday at her home in Inkster
all for what y’all did for me,” Amariee said
Amariee’s mom Tiffany Brown explained what it was like to experience the brutality
It was devastating to me because to see my baby all bit up and stuff
that hurt me because people just don’t care,” she said
Tiffany Brown’s boyfriend Leiman Young was the first to arrive
“I jumped out with my work hard hat and just started hitting them and hitting them
And then I grabbed her and I threw her in the back seat as quick as I could and I started back down the street
And by the time I got here the police was here,” Young said
“They pulled up right behind my car and they seen her condition
And they just grabbed her and put her in another police car and rushed her to the hospital.”
Amariee’s mom has a message for dog owners
“I just want to say that everybody with a dog needs to have control of their dogs
‘Cause it’s a lot of little kids that roam the neighborhood,” she said
A 48-year-old Clawson woman was arraigned Friday on a charge of lying to FBI agents who were investigating the death of 17-year-old London Thomas, Wayne County Prosecutors said, while a man named as a suspect in the case was released from police custody.
was arraigned in Inkster's 22nd District Court on a charge of lying to a peace officer during a violent crime investigation
a felony that's punishable by up to four years in prison
Pendergrass was arraigned before District Judge Sabrina Thompson
it is alleged that Defendant Pendergrass failed to tell the truth to FBI agents while they were conducting a criminal investigation into the death of London Thomas," the Wayne County prosecutor's office said Friday in a statement
"Aspects of the case currently remain under investigation and no further information will be released at this time."
who police said was a suspect in the case and had been in custody for five days
was released Friday "pending further investigation," Michigan State Police 1st Lt
Thomas' body was found Saturday
the same day two people were taken into police custody
Family members said police told them the victim was found in an SUV parked near a home along Millard Street in Southfield and had to be identified based on dental records
Michigan law allows criminal suspects to be held in police custody for up to 72 hours without charges, excluding weekends and holidays. But Terry L. Johnson, attorney for Pendergrass and the other man, told The News on Thursday his clients were in custody beyond the allowed window that closed at midnight Wednesday
Thomas was last seen alive on April 5 when she was dropped off at her boyfriend's house in Inkster
Detroit Police officers searched for Thomas in multiple locations in Metro Detroit before a Michigan State Police Special Investigation Services unit found Thomas' body
A candlelight vigil for Thomas was held Monday.
INKSTER, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 7-year-old girl in Inkster was left injured after being attacked by two dogs while riding a bike.
Around 6 p.m. Monday, officers with the Inkster Police Department were called to the area of John Daly and Florence streets on reports that a 7-year-old girl had been attacked by two pit bull dogs.
"The dogs were in a backyard and apparently were not on a leash and as the girl was riding her bike down, the dogs go through the yard and actually tackled her off the bike," said Cmdr. Shawn Vargo with the Inkster Police Department.
Body camera footage obtained by 7 News Detroit showed the moments when officers rushed the girl to the hospital. The attack by the dogs left her with multiple injuries.
"She had multiple animal bites to her extremities. Her chest, she had several to her arms," Vargo said.
The dogs have been taken to a local animal shelter where they will be quarantined as investigators continue to look into the case. Vargo also said the girl who was attacked is in stable condition.
"It's unfortunate. Every day it's a nice day out, kids are out there riding bikes," Vargo said. "These officers take it to heart when they hear it's a child that's involved."
Vargo added that police have never received an animal complaint at the home where the dogs were registered prior to Monday, but they are discussing possible charges.
"I can tell you the dog owners will be held accountable and our detectives are talking with the Wayne County prosecutor right now how to proceed," Vargo said.
He also said simple steps by the community can help prevent a similar tragedy from happening again.
"If you don't have a gate in your yard or you're out walking your dog, keep them on a leash. We encourage citizens to call us if they see any dogs off their leash or roaming the area, so we can handle that accordingly," Vargo said.
SearchSearchMonday, March 3Fairfax, CA (Meadow Club)Texas Tech Athletics
Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational
WG Preview: Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational February 28, 2025 | Women's Golf
(WXYZ) — A Detroit family is desperate for help in finding their teen who they believe could be in danger
Seventeen-year-old London Thomas was last seen in Inkster
“It’s been the hardest thing I ever had to face in my life
no nothing," Thomas' father Cedric Salisbury said
He says it is not like her to just disappear for a few days
This is not normal behavior for her," Salisbury said
Inkster police say Thomas was last seen with her boyfriend on Carlysle Street in Inkster wearing pink Croc shoes
“She has a tattoo on the left side of her neck of a colorful butterfly," Salisbury said
Friends and family came together Friday to support each other during this difficult time
Thomas’ grandmother Jestina Martin believes the teen could be in danger based off data from a shared cellphone plan that shows her phone was last active behind a school in Westland
"She was out at one place and her phone was at another place," Martin said
Inkster Police Chief Tamika Jenkins told us they can only share limited information at this time
but they are committed to transparency and will provide updates when they are available
She is asking anyone who has information to call the department at 313-563-9850 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI
I need to know where she's at," Salisbury said
the family is organizing a search party for at noon near Cooper Upper Elementary School in Westland
DETROIT – Saturday marks two weeks since the disappearance of 17-year-old London Thomas from Inkster
the emotional toll on her loved ones becomes increasingly evident
I’m holding it together as good as possible
if there’s anything that I can say is just that everybody supporting and loving us and helping us is getting me through
I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed,” said Jasma Bennett
searched the home of the teen’s boyfriend on Carlysle Street in Inkster on Thursday (April 17)
This is the second time his home has been searched
--> FBI involved in raid linked to case of missing Inkster teen London Thomas
Thomas was last seen on April 5 when she was dropped off at the Carlysle Street home
Bennett said she hasn’t heard much from the police
“Not much about the investigation or anything else that is really going on at this time has not been released to me,” she said
A spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department told Local 4 that there were no updates on the investigation
Bennett said she has no idea what could have happened to her daughter
“I don’t know if this is some type of crazy sex ring type of thing
And I have like 1,000 more ideas of terror that I have to think about,” Bennett said
Bennett said the family is planning to have another search for Thomas in the coming days
If you have any information about the case
Will Jones rejoined the Local 4 News team in February 2023 as a weekend anchor and reporter. He previously worked as a general assignment reporter for the station from 2012 to 2015.
An Inkster father accused in the death of his infant son in 2023 has been charged
Drake Ariel Froust was arraigned Friday in 22nd District Court in Inkster on charges of felony murder and first-degree child abuse
A judge ordered the 31-year-old remanded to jail without bond and scheduled his next court hearing for Wednesday
he faces up to life in prison for the murder charge
The child abuse charge also carries a penalty of up to life in prison
Froust's attorney was not immediately available for comment on Friday
Authorities allege Froust fatally assaulted his 2-month-old son
that day to a home in the 4300 block of Spruce Street near Inkster Road and Annapolis Avenue for a report of an unresponsive child
Police arrived and found an unresponsive infant boy
Detectives said the child had head and neck wounds believed to have been inflicted by his father
An autopsy revealed the boy died from blunt force trauma caused by shaking
Inkster police arrested Froust at his home on Sunday
"The Inkster Police Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident," Inkster Police Chief Tamika Jenkins said Friday in a statement
"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking loss
We remain committed to seeking justice for this innocent child."
Froust is the latest adult to be charged in a child's death in Michigan
Last week, a woman was charged for allegedly killing her 9-year-old son in 2024 and burying him in the backyard of her Detroit home
In January, a Grand Rapids woman was arrested after one of her three children died in a fire that police said she deliberately set
In November, two Detroit parents were charged for allegedly beating their 8-year-old son to death
vsJuli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational
3 USC Women’s Golf Sits Third Amongst the Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational Field March 03
Three Trojans sit in the top-10 as the team is nine-strokes back of second place
-- The Washington women's golf team is headed to Fairfax this weekend for the Juli Inkster Invitational at Meadow Club
This is the Huskies seventh tournament of the season
and consists of competitors from 14 schools
Round one begins Monday as UW will compete in a group with San Francisco and Oregon
on Monday with round two beginning at 12:45 that afternoon
Live results for this tournament will be available at this link
Washington's lineup for this tournament is listed below:
Carmen Lim
Jenny Chang
Wendy Tang
Athena Ni
Amber Li
Kennedy Knox- individual
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(WXYZ) — A traffic alert for drivers in Inkster & Dearborn Heights: starting this morning
you're going to run into some slow-downs on Michigan Avenue
Reaction overnight from drivers was mixed: some say they're happy the roads are finally getting fixed in this area
Others say the project will be a major inconvenience
there's going to be a pipe replacement to help mitigate flooding issues in this area
That's why MDOT will be working on a tow-mile stretch of Westbound Michigan Avenue between Beech Daly and Middlebelt
They'll reduce this major four-lane road down to one beginning in just a few hours at 8 a.m
most of the two-mile construction project happens in Inkster
We talked to two Inkster residents about it
“It’s like the main thing in the city that you can get from this city to this city and you’re not just driving down side streets," Comer said
if they do that and they got construction going
We not hating on nobody getting this city back together with they streets
They need to fix a lot of bumps in the city.”
oh we need them lanes open for everybody to get to work
Both gentlemen did agree that any sort of work done that helps this area is good
MDOT estimates the project will be completed on Monday
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INKSTER, Mich. – An 82-year-old man from Inkster made a mistake on a popular shopping website that may end up costing him more than $10,000.
Jenell Mock said her father is in poor health and was looking for a new coat when he found the auction on Poshmark.
“I knew that was just totally accidental because it’s a small ladies jacket, so he wouldn’t have wanted that,” Mock said. “And then he wouldn’t have wanted to spend $10,000 on something that was only being you know sold for like $150.”
He instantly knew something was wrong, but the seller thought she’d made the sale of a lifetime.
Mock and her father have spent the last few weeks battling to get their money back.
“It’s been very stressful because we’re waiting to see what could come of it,” Mock said. “Whether Poshmark is going to help us, whether his credit card is going to reverse the charge. He’s lost quite a bit of sleep over it.”
Help Me Hank reached out to Poshmark and the company said they’re working to resolve the situation and are working to get in touch with the customer. If that doesn’t work, the attention will be turned to the credit card company in hopes of reversing the charge.
You can watch Hank Winchester’s full story in the video player above.
Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.
(WXYZ) — The family of 17-year-old London Thomas is mourning after the Detroit teen’s body was found over the weekend
three weeks after she was reported missing
when she was dropped off at her 23-year-old boyfriend’s house in Inkster
Michigan State Police said her body was found Saturday evening in Southfield near 8 Mile and Telegraph roads
Related video: 2 suspects in custody after body of missing teen London Thomas found in Southfield
Neighbors said they watched as police discovered Thomas' body inside a white SUV parked in a neighbor's driveway
They say the SUV had been parked there for two weeks
a single mother and her three children live at the home where the SUV was parked
7 News Detroit rang the doorbell on the house
Meanwhile, Thomas' family has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover her funeral expenses
“It’s the hardest thing ever,” Thomas’ grandmother Jestina Martin told 7 News Detroit
Martin said she last spoke with her granddaughter shortly before her disappearance
Watch our extended interview with London Thomas' grandmother Jestina Martin in the video player below:
Thomas' family had been actively searching for her since early April
law enforcement conducted a search of her boyfriend's home
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspects but confirmed that two people are currently in custody in connection with Thomas’ disappearance
Related video: London Thomas' boyfriend considered person of interest
Retired Detroit Police Department homicide Detective Bill Peterson told 7 News Detroit that the age gap between Thomas and her boyfriend raises concerns
“She’s a 17-year-old girl with a 23-year-old boyfriend,” Peterson said
“I want (the suspects) to do the most time they could ever see for killing my grandchild.”
A candlelight vigil for Thomas is scheduled for Monday at 7:30 p.m
near Millard Street and Sherman Avenue in Southfield
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI
Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy
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Former Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly pleaded guilty in a federal bribery corruption case
Ison announced the guilty plea in the case Wednesday
Attorney's Office Eastern District of Michigan
Wimberly faces a bribery charge with a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine
“Public officials who act in their own best interests
betray the trust of their communities and the general public,” Ison said in the press release
“We will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials for their illegal actions."
served as the mayor of Inkster from 2019 to 2023
Wimberly was indicted in the case in the fall of 2023
accused of pocketing bribes from a prospective buyer of property owned by the city
Wimberly's attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment
Wimberly demanded $100,000 from the prospective buyer in the spring of 2022
The individual payed Wimberly monthly cash bribes starting at $5,000 a month
which the parties later agreed to increase
Following a discrepancy between the parties
the prospective buyer increased the monthly payment to $10,000
The individual paid Wimberly $50,000 in total
with the FBI stepping in before the property sale was complete
Police: Man faces charges in Macomb Township wrong-way crash that killed 1, injured 3
“Investigating public corruption is a primary concern and priority of the FBI in Michigan,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson
special agent in charge of the FBI in Michigan
Patrick Wimberly’s guilty plea is a step forward in reminding public officials that they will be held accountable for their actions and should always operate with the highest level of integrity
Members of the FBI’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force will continue to investigate any allegations of criminal misconduct from our public officials
in an effort to maintain the public’s trust."
The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S
Sentencing is set for June 10 before District Judge Linda V
Free Press reporter Christina Hall contributed to this report
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INKSTER, Mich. (WXYZ) — Residents were evacuated from an apartment building in Inkster due to a small fire Tuesday evening.
It happened around 7 p.m. at the Thompson Tower on Michigan Avenue near Inkster Road.
The fire started after a resident started cooking, Fire Chief Tamika Jenkins said. No one was hurt.
Firefighters were working on water damage from the building’s sprinkler system and were airing the building out.
Police and fire officials evacuated the entire east wing of the building. Residents were taken to the Dozier Recreation Center at 2025 Middlebelt Road.
The American Red Cross will be helping residents at the recreation center, Jenkins said. She said the Inkster Police Department purchased food and water for the residents.
Authorities remained at the scene Tuesday night.
4 USC Women’s Golf Heads to Meadow Club for Juli Inkster Invitational March 02
The Women of Troy have posted a top three placement in all six tournaments this season
The former mayor of Inkster pleaded guilty to agreeing to receive $100,000 in bribes
demanded cash to facilitate the sale of city-owned property to an unidentified "outside party," federal prosecutors said
The person gave Wimberly $5,000 monthly cash bribes until Wimberly demanded more and the person started paying $10,000 each month
betray the trust of their communities and the general public,” said U.S
“We will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials for their illegal actions.”
The bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000
A date for Wimberly's sentencing was not given
More: Feds charge Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly in corruption case
An indictment described a series of secret meetings between Wimberly and the developer starting in August 2022
the developer expressed interest in a city-owned property
Wimberly demanded a $100,000 bribe to secure the purchase and development of the unidentified site
The developer asked if he could make $5,000 monthly installments initially and eventually pay $10,000 a month
but requested the developer “come in the front with something."
the mayor repeatedly said he could control how the City Council would vote on the sale of the property and site use
the developer met with the mayor in his car
Wimberly allegedly opened his center console
a former council member and marijuana entrepreneur
He lost his reelection bid in the 2023 general election to Byron Nolen
Wimberly's predecessor as mayor from 2015-19
The allegations against Wimberly came amid a years-long crackdown on corruption
"Wimberly’s guilty plea is a step forward in reminding public officials that they will be held accountable for their actions and should always operate with the highest level of integrity," said Cheyvoryea Gibson
"Members of the FBI’s Detroit Area Corruption Task Force will continue to investigate any allegations of criminal misconduct from our public officials
in an effort to maintain the public’s trust.”
@Max_DetroitNews
(WXYZ) — Police in Inkster are looking for a man who fired at them earlier this morning
Authorities had a residence in Inkster surrounded on Thursday morning after shots were fired at officers with one show narrowly missing an officer
and police are utilizing a drone to search for him
7 News Detroit has confirmed that five to six shots were fired at officers near a home on Klink Street
Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted in the situation
Police previously set up a perimeter on Henry Ruff
Authorities said that a canine officer came in to assist in the search
Inkster police stress the situation is under control
there is no ongoing threat to the community
"The Inkster Police Department takes the safety of our residents and officers very seriously
and we are committed to ensuring a secure environment for all
We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses."
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Inkster Police Department at 313-563-9850
DETROIT (WXYZ) — Former Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly has pleaded guilty to bribery for accepting thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for the sale of city-owned property
served as the mayor of Inkster for 2019 through 2023 and was running for re-election when he was indicted on charges
Wimberly demanded $100,000 in cash payments to facilitate the sale of city-owned property to an outside party called "person A."
WATCH BELOW: Incumbent Inkster mayor facing federal bribery charge loses mayoral seat to predecessor
the Person A provided Wimberly with monthly cash bribes to secure the purchase
with an agreement to increase the amount in bribes
those monthly payments increased to $10,000 in total
Person A provided Wimberly with $50,000 in cash
The feds say the FBI intervened before the property could be transferred
betray the trust of their communities and the general public,” United States Attorney Dawn Ison said in a statement
“ We will continue to aggressively prosecute corrupt public officials for their illegal actions.”
Wimberly was indicted on the charges on Oct
and addressed them in a Facebook Live on Oct
“Did I put myself in a situation that I should’ve never been involved with
I take full responsibility for that," Wimberly said in the video
"I’m going to have to go through the process
but know that I’m standing here and I’m standing strong.”
**Correction: A previous version of this article had the incorrect name for the former mayor
We have since corrected the name and regret the error
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Ken Haddad
The 17-year-old was last seen on April 5 when she was dropped off at her boyfriend’s house on Carlysle Street in Inkster
Michigan State Police is the lead agency in the investigation
Police said they have two suspects in custody who are “believed to be involved in her disappearance.”
Police have not released information on what circumstances led to her death
it will be given to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to review
“Our condolences go out to the family and friends of London,” said Michigan State Police F/Lt
“While a majority of the investigation has been completed by DPD and the FBI
Our number one goal is to bring justice for London and her family
we will not be releasing any further information on this investigation at this time.”
Kayla is a Web Producer for ClickOnDetroit. Before she joined the team in 2018 she worked at WILX in Lansing as a digital producer.
Final round ✅Hear from @DanaDormann ⚔️#AllSpartans pic.twitter.com/0CSWbFZvnD
FAIRFAX, Calif.—Moa Andersson recorded her second top-10 finish of the season as she finished ninth at 1-under 215 to lead the San José State women’s golf team at the Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational Tuesday afternoon
UP NEXT – The Spartans will take some time off before playing in the Chevron Silverado Showdown
Give to Spartan Women’s Golf - https://go.sjsu.edu/25d1n#AllSpartans
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