The mother and grandfather of a one-year-old baby boy who was hanged from a ceiling and beaten have pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
Wendy Pamela Bailey, 23, of Winfield, is 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 remains of Kahleb Collins were found in a burn pile behind the family’s home after his mother, father and sibling were involved in a fatal crash. The father, Steven Collins, and the two-year-old sister, RyLeigh, were killed in December 2024.
After the family was involved in the crash, authorities learned the couple had another child who had been reported missing and hadn’t been seen for more than three months. Authorities believe the child was killed months before.
According to court documents, Kahleb Collins was restrained with zip ties to a chair, hanged 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. They believe the mother failed to intervene on more than two occasions.
Authorities say the burned remains of the toddler were later discovered at the home of Wendy and John Bailey.
Both Baileys are set for an arraignment on August 8.
They are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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