The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has announced the discovery of what they believe to be the human remains of missing toddler Kahleb Collins, who was just one year old.
Investigators made the grim find while searching the family’s property, where they located what appears to be Kahleb’s remains in a burn pile behind the residence. The remains have been sent to a forensic lab for confirmation.
The search for Kahleb began in December, after a tragic car crash involving his mother, 22-year-old Wendy Pamela Bailey, left two family members dead: 40-year-old Steven Bradley Collins and 2-year-old Ryleigh Collins.
According to police, Ryleigh was not properly restrained in the vehicle and died at the scene. Steven Collins, critically injured in the crash, passed away on December 9.
Initially, Kahleb was not reported as being in the vehicle. It was only after officers began investigating the crash that they discovered Kahleb hadn’t been seen since early September.
In April, Wendy Pamela Bailey and Johnn Elton Bailey were arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses, including domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, criminally negligent homicide, and aggravated child abuse.
“This is a heartbreaking outcome,” said Sheriff Byron Yerby in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who loved Kahleb. While this discovery brings some closure, it also serves as a painful reminder of the duty we all share in protecting our children. We remain fully committed to seeking justice in this case.”