Human remains found in Fayette County are believed to be those of one-year-old Kahleb Collins, who was reported missing after his family was involved in a fatal December 2024 crash.
Sheriff Byron Yerby said the remains were found in a burn pile at the family residence. Although forensics still must confirm an official identity, Yerby said the search for Collins is over.
"This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved Kahleb," added Yerby. "While this discovery brings a measure of closure, it is also a solemn reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting our children. We are committed to continuing the pursuit of justice in this case."
The crash occurred on Dec. 8, 2024. The child’s father, Steven Collins, and his two-year-old sister, RyLeigh, were killed. The child’s mother, Wendy Pamela Bailey, was injured. Authorities said all parties were either ejected or partially ejected in the crash due to a high rate of speed and no seat belts or safety restraints being used.
After the family was involved in the crash, authorities learned the couple had another child. He was reported missing at that time.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered the other child had not been seen for more than three months. During that time, the father posted on Facebook, “Our son is not doing well. He is not growing and has major back issues. His organs are growing but not his body. He has to have surgery at some point. Keep him in your prayers. Been rough and just seems going to be a long, rough tough road ahead of us."
Wendy Bailey was charged with domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, criminally negligent homicide and aggravated child abuse. Her father, John Elton Bailey, was charged with aggravated child abuse, four counts of domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, failure to report a missing person and hindering prosecution.
The sheriff’s office subsequently revealed they believed the child had died.
According to court documents, the boy was restrained with zip ties to a chair, hung from the ceiling or other elevated structure and beaten.
Investigators discovered the father of the child had previously threatened to kill the child, then texted photos of him hanging and covered in blood.
"Wendy Palmela Jean Bailey acknowledged the fact of knowing and failing to intervene on more than two occasions that Kahleb Rowan Collins was physically abused by torturous means such as being bound with rope, physically assaulted and being bound by a rope from a loft with blood and bruising present in which photographs depicted evidence that posed an imminent and apparent threat of harm to Kahleb Collins," the complaint states.
Authorities say the burned remains found were at the home of Wendy and John Bailey.
Both Baileys are set for an arraignment in August and a plea hearing in November.
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