Remains Believed to Be Missing Toddler Found in Alabama, Mother and Grandfather Charged

The search for missing Alabama toddler, Kahleb Rowan Collins, has taken a tragic turn with the discovery of human remains believed to be his at a home in Fayette County. The Fayette County Sheriffs Office confirmed the finding on May 8th, marking a somber development in the case that began in December 2024. The discovery follows months of investigation into the disappearance of the 1-year-old boy, who was last seen in early September 2024.

The case gained urgency after a devastating car crash on December 8th, 2024. The crash resulted in the deaths of Kahleb’s father, Steven Collins, 40, and his 2-year-old sister, Ryleigh Collins. Kahleb’s mother, Wendy Pamela "Pam" Bailey, 23, survived the crash but was critically injured and hospitalized. It was in the aftermath of this tragedy that law enforcement realized Kahleb was missing.

An emergency alert was issued for Kahleb on December 17th, and a formal search commenced the following day. The investigation quickly led to suspicions of foul play and focused on Kahleb’s family. Days after the search began, the child’s grandfather and legal custodian, John Elton Bailey, 55, was arrested. He was initially charged with failure to report a missing child after telling police he hadn’t seen his grandchild in about two months.

Court documents obtained by USA TODAY revealed deeper concerns, hinting at possible child abuse and the family’s history with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. The documents fueled the growing belief that Kahleb’s disappearance was not a simple missing person case.

The Fayette County Sheriffs Office revealed that the suspected remains of Kahleb were found in a burn pile on the family’s property after multiple searches. The remains have been sent to forensic experts for formal identification. Sheriff Byron Yerby expressed the profound sadness of the community, stating, "This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved Kahleb. 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.”

In April, a grand jury issued indictments against Kahleb’s mother and grandfather, Wendy and John Bailey. Wendy Bailey faces a slew of serious charges, including four counts of first-degree domestic violence, aggravated child abuse, abuse of a corpse, and criminally negligent homicide. The negligent homicide charge stems from the death of Ryleigh Collins, who was unrestrained in the vehicle during the December crash and died at the scene.

John Bailey was charged with aggravated child abuse, four counts of first-degree domestic violence, abuse of a corpse, and hindering prosecution. The legal documents paint a grim picture of the alleged events surrounding Kahleb’s death.

According to the complaint against the two, "Upon the death of Kahleb Rowan Collins, his body was placed into a bag and stored in an outside storage building for a brief period prior to disposal at an unknown location." The cause of Kahleb’s death remains unclear, as court documents do not specify how the toddler died.

However, the court documents reveal a disturbing history of alleged child abuse, including incidents involving Kahleb being "physically abused by torturous means," such as being bound by rope and beaten. The documents also implicate Steven Collins, Kahleb’s father, who is accused of sending graphic text messages to Wendy Bailey, threatening to kill Kahleb, and including photos of the visibly battered boy after an alleged beating.

The details surrounding the December car crash further underscore the tragic circumstances of this case. Steven Collins was driving 92 mph on a road with a 45 mph speed limit the day of the crash that killed him and his daughter, according to arrest records. The father was seen "driving aggressively at an extreme rate of speed" before losing control on the wet roadway while trying to navigate a bend, the document continued.

The force of the one-vehicle crash ejected Collins and Wendy Bailey, who were not wearing seatbelts, from the vehicle. Their daughter, also unrestrained, was pronounced dead in the backseat of the car. The lack of safety restraints for both the adults and the children highlights a pattern of negligence and disregard for safety.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to Kahleb’s death. The discovery of the suspected remains marks a significant step in the investigation, but many questions remain unanswered.

Both Wendy and John Bailey are scheduled to be arraigned in August. The community awaits the legal proceedings with a mix of grief and a demand for justice for Kahleb Rowan Collins. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance in protecting them from harm.

The tragic details of Kahleb’s short life and death have resonated deeply, prompting widespread outrage and calls for accountability. The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of child protective services and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent child abuse. As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that justice is served and that lessons are learned from this devastating tragedy.

The Fayette County Sheriffs Office and other law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation have vowed to pursue every lead and uncover all the facts surrounding Kahleb’s death. The community, still reeling from the loss, hopes that the legal proceedings will bring closure and healing to all those affected by this heartbreaking case.

The memory of Kahleb Rowan Collins will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting children and holding accountable those who would harm them. The pursuit of justice for Kahleb will continue, ensuring that his life, though tragically short, will not be forgotten.