A pregnant mother who disappeared with her seven children four months ago has been tragically found deceased on the side of a road. Makala Pendley’s body was discovered on June 8, four months after she was initially reported missing. The cause of her death was determined to be a traumatic brain injury from blunt-force trauma.
Reports suggest that Pendley’s body had been left on the dirt road for approximately eight to 12 hours before it was located. Her sister, Maurica Lambert, revealed that Pendley had disclosed being at least six months pregnant before she vanished.
The 30-year-old woman and her children were reported missing by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in February. Pendley’s body was found in the Zanicantan area of Chiapas, Mexico, more than 2,000 miles away from Indiana.
Chipas state prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca stated that the children are now in the care of authorities as arrangements are being made with the United States Embassy for their relatives to take custody of them. Pendley’s partner, identified as Joseph “N,” has been arrested and is considered the primary suspect in the case.
Maurica described Pendley as a devoted mother who always prioritized her children. The Indianapolis spokesperson mentioned that the children were initially taken into Mexican custody before being released to Pendley. Jami Dowdy, Pendley’s cousin, shared fond memories of her laughter and bright personality, emphasizing the importance of reuniting the children with their loving family in Indianapolis.
Lambert confirmed that Pendley’s nieces and nephews, along with their mother’s remains, will be returning to Indianapolis.