A possible Σ * state with spin-parity J P = 1/2 − [Σ * 1/2 − (1380)] has been predicted in several pentaquark models. In the present work, we discuss how one can employ the Λ + c → ηπ + Λ decay to test its existence, as well as to study the Σ * 3/2 + (1385) state with J P = 3/2 +. Because the final π + Λ system is in a pure isospin I = 1 combination, the Λ + c → ηπ + Λ decay can be an ideal process to study these Σ * resonances. In particular, we show that the decay angle and energy distributions of the π + are very different for Σ * 3/2 + (1385) and Σ * 1/2 − (1380). The proposed decay mechanism as well as the existence of the Σ * 1/2 − (1380) state can be checked by future BelleII and BESIII experiments. KEYWORDS: Λ + c hadronic decays, Σ * (1380), effective Lagrangian approach.