crime

Investigators sifted through 14 barrels of debris from burn piles collected at the family’s residence at 13635 Hwy. 129 in Glen Allen. | Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office

In an exclusive interview, Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby shared details about the investigation that led to the discovery of remains believed to be those of missing toddler, Kahleb Rowan Collins. The sheriff’s office, along with the assistance of multiple agencies, launched an intensive search immediately after Kahleb’s disappearance that was reported on Dec. 9, 2024.

The following statement was released by the Fayette County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, May 8:

New charges have recently been filed in the case of the missing toddler. A preliminary hearing for John and Wendy Bailey was held Wednesday, April 9, at the Fayette County Courthouse. According to court documents, a grand jury indicted Wendy Bailey and her father in connection with the case of her missing son, Kahleb Rowan Collins.

A Fayette County man has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the death of 21-year-old Laci Cheyenne Whitson. According to a grand jury indictment dated March 19, Michael Wade Tucker, 38, was indicted on charges of murder, abuse of a corpse and certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm. 

A preliminary hearing for John and Wendy Bailey was scheduled for Wednesday, April 9 at the Fayette County Courthouse. Reports indicate that John and Wendy Bailey were indicted by a grand jury. Charges are unknown at this time and a court date will be set at a later time.

Follow the The Times-Record news as more information becomes available.

On Sunday, Feb. 23, around 9 a.m., Fayette Police received reports of a possible break-in at Caines Ridge Church on Hwy 159. According to Police Chief Danny Jenkins, no items were taken, but a pallet was found inside, which was believed to have been used for someone to sleep and escape the cold. 

Authorities searching the property surrounding the home of Steven Collins and Wendy Bailey on Thursday, Jan. 2. | Photo courtesy of Fayette County Sheriff Byron Yerby 

On Thursday, Jan. 2, authorities responded to a shooting on Water Mill Road in Pickens Co. According to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, when deputies arrived they found a man that was fatally wounded by gunfire. The suspect, Russell Douglas Beede, 23, of Fayette, was taken into custody. Beede has been charged with murder and is currently being held in the Pickens County Jail with a $2 million dollar bond.

The investigation into the disappearance of Kahleb Rowan Collins, a one year old from Glen Allen, intensified on Wednesday as officials began searching the residence and surrounding property of the home on Hwy. 129 for any sign of the missing child. Members of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department were observed around 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the residence stretching crime scene tape around the area. A search for Collins began shortly after a crash that killed his father, 2- year-old sister and severely injured his mother.