Fayette County Sheriff's Office confirms remains believed to be of missing toddler

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

It is with great sadness that the Fayette County Sheriff's Office confirms the discovery of human remains believed to be those of missing one-year-old Kahleb Collins. After multiple searches at the property officers recovered what was believed to be remains of Kahleb Collins located in a burn pile at the family residence. With the assistance of an anthropologist, it was confirmed that a portion of the items recovered were human remains. The evidence was then sent to forensics for official identification.

Kahleb Collins was first reported missing following a fatal vehicle crash involving his family on Sunday, December 8, 2024. The crash claimed the life of a two-year-old child, who was unrestrained, and critically injured the child's father, Steven Collins, who later succumbed to his injuries on Monday, December 9.

After initial investigative efforts, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) issued an Emergency Missing Child Alert for Kahleb Collins on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Since that time, multiple local, state, and federal agencies have worked tirelessly in the search for Kahleb.

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest gratitude to ALEA, 24th Judicial Circuit of Alabama, local first responders, search and rescue personnel, forensic experts and all partner agencies who have been involved in this difficult and emotional investigation over the past several months.

"This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved Kahleb," said Sheriff Byron 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."

As a result of the ongoing investigation, Wendy Pamela Bailey, and John Elton Bailey have been arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, criminally negligent homicide, and aggravated child abuse.

Nothing further is available as the investigation remains ongoing. If you have any further information regarding this case, please contact the Fayette County Sheriff's Office at 205-932-3205.