Remains of missing 1-year-old boy found at family home months after his disappearance, sheriff says
FAYETTE COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday it has discovered human remains believed to be those of missing 1-year-old Kahleb Collins.
After multiple searches at the property, officers found what they say are the remains of Kahleb in a burn pile at the family residence.
With assistance from an anthropologist, it was confirmed that a portion of the items recovered from the burn pile were human remains. 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,” Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby 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. We are committed to continuing the pursuit of justice in this case.”
Collins was first reported missing after a fatal car crash involving his family in December 2024.
Authorities said the crash took the life of a 2-year-old child who was not restrained and critically injured the child’s father, Steven Collins, who later died from his injuries.
On Dec. 17, 2024, an Emergency Missing Child Alert was issued for Kahleb. Since that day, multiple agencies have been searching for him.
The boy’s mother, Wendy Bailey, and grandfather, John Elton Bailey, were indicted by a grand jury last month.
They were arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, criminally negligent homicide and aggravated child abuse.
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