A pregnant American woman who disappeared four months ago with her seven children has been discovered dead on a roadside in Mexico. Makala Pendley, 30, went missing in February from Indianapolis, and her body was found on Monday, June 8, in Chiapas state.
Cause of Death
Preliminary reports indicate that Pendley died from a traumatic brain injury caused by blunt-force trauma. Authorities believe her body had been abandoned for 8 to 12 hours before discovery.
Disappearance and Discovery
Pendley and her children were reported missing by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department in February. Her sister, Maurica Lambert, stated that Makala was at least six months pregnant at the time of her disappearance. The body was found over 2,000 miles away in the Zanicantan area of Chiapas.
Children Found Safe
Chiapas state prosecutor Jorge Luis Llaven Abarca confirmed that the children are under protection while arrangements are made with the U.S. Embassy for relatives to take custody. Pendley's partner, identified only as Joseph "N," has been arrested and is the primary suspect.
Family Tributes
Maurica Lambert described her sister as a devoted mother. Cousin Jami Dowdy remembered Makala's laughter and bright eyes, emphasizing the family's priority of bringing the children home to Indiana. Lambert confirmed the children and their mother's body will return to Indianapolis.
