Missing Alabama toddler found dead in burn pile after mother, grandfather indicted in his disappearance
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The remains of an Alabama toddler missing and presumed dead since last year were found in a burn pile at the family’s home and now confirmed to be those of the young boy authorities announced Thursday.
Kahleb Collins, 1, was discovered missing after a crash killed his father and sister, 2-year-old Ryleigh Collins, and critically injured his mother.
Kahleb’s mother and grandfather were indicted on charges in connection with his disappearance and death, while the whereabouts Kahleb had remained a mystery.
Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby on Thursday said after multiple searches of the family’s property, investigators recovered what they believed to be human remains in a burn pile. The sheriff did not say when the remains were recovered.
“With the assistance of an anthropologist, it was confirmed that a portion of the items recovered were human remains,” Yerby said. “The evidence was sent to forensics for official identification.”
“This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved Kahleb,” the sheriff said.
“While this discovery brings a measure of closure, it is also a solemn reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting
our children,” Yerby said. “We are committed to continuing the pursuit of justice in this case.”
Authorities have not said how Kahleb died.
A Fayette County grand jury on April 15 issued indictments against Kahleb’s mother, Wendy “Pam” Bailey, 23, and Bailey’s father, John Elton Bailey, 55.
The grand jury indicted Pam Bailey on charges of aggravated child abuse, four counts of first-degree domestic violence, corpse abuse, and criminally negligent homicide, which is a misdemeanor.
The criminally negligent homicide charge is for the death of 2-year-old Ryleigh Collins.