The remains of a missing 1-year-old Alabama boy, who disappeared eight months ago, have been discovered in a burn pit close to his family’s home, authorities confirmed. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday that the remains of Kahleb Collins were found on the property of his mother, Wendy Pamela Bailey, who is currently in custody facing a range of felony charges.
According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, deputies had conducted multiple searches of the property before uncovering the burn pit, a portion of which contained human remains. The sheriff’s office called in an anthropologist to assist with the identification, and it was confirmed that the remains were those of a human child. The remains were then sent to a forensics lab for further confirmation.
Kahleb had been reported missing after a fatal car crash in December 2024, which killed his father, Steven Collins, and his 2-year-old sister, Ryleigh. His mother, Wendy Bailey, was also in the car at the time and sustained severe injuries. The tragic crash occurred on December 8, 2024, on County Road 73 in Glen Allan, Alabama. Police say Steven Collins was driving recklessly, reaching speeds of up to 90 mph on a wet road. Authorities later determined that Ryleigh was not properly strapped in during the crash.
After the crash, police were informed that there was another child, Kahleb, who was unaccounted for. This led to an immediate investigation into his whereabouts. The sheriff’s office, along with the 24th Circuit District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama State Bureau of Investigation, launched a search for the toddler.
The sheriff’s office released a statement saying, “Based on the results of this investigation, it is believed that [Kahleb] is deceased.” Investigators added that his body had not been recovered at that point, but they were still actively searching for his remains. They believe Kahleb had been dead for some time before the crash occurred, and his disappearance had not been reported to authorities until after the fatal accident.
Further investigation revealed that Kahleb had not been seen alive since September 9, 2024. His grandfather, John Bailey, who was also his primary custodian, was arrested on December 11, 2024, and charged with failing to report a missing child. John and Wendy Bailey were both indicted by a grand jury last month on additional charges, including first-degree domestic violence, criminally negligent homicide, aggravated child abuse, and abuse of a corpse. John Bailey faces an additional charge of hindering prosecution.
“This is a heartbreaking outcome, and our thoughts and prayers are with all those who loved Kahleb,” Sheriff Byron Yerby said in a statement. “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.”
This tragic discovery brings some closure, but the pain and grief felt by the community and Kahleb’s loved ones remain as they seek justice for the toddler’s life lost far too soon.
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