Remains of missing Alabama toddler found; mother and grandfather charged

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Kahleb Collins. (Credit: Fayette County Sheriff's Office)

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ala. - Alabama authorities believe they have found the remains of a toddler missing since last year. 

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office said the remains of one-year-old Kahleb Collins were found last week in a burn pile in the family's residence. 

The backstory:

Authorities said Kahleb was initially reported missing by his mother following a car crash in December 2024. The crash also killed another two-year-old child, who was unrestrained, and the father, who later succumbed to his injuries. 

His mother, Wendy Pamela Bailey, was injured in the crash.

However, the mother told investigators that Kahleb died and that his body was kept in a bag in a storage shed before being moved, according to a criminal complaint filed in December. 

Investigators suspect Kahleb died in September or October, according to the complaint. 

Bailey was arrested in December on charges of child abuse, domestic violence, and abuse of a corpse.

What they're saying:

"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."

Investigators believe the boy’s father, Steven Bradley "Brad" Collins, had physically abused Kahleb, according to the court records. The charges accuse the mother of failing to report or intervene in the abuse and of knowing about his body being placed in an outdoor storage shed.

The complaint details some of the alleged abuse. It notes that in July, Steven Collins sent Bailey pictures of the bloodied boy hanging from a rope and of him lying bruised on the floor.

Investigators said he then sent messages saying, "He want move" and "I’m so sorry" and finally "He moving." Investigators said Bailey replied, "He just looks wore out and tired and hopefully that’s all."

What's next:

In addition to Bailey already being charged, authorities have also charged Kahleb's grandfather, John Elton Bailey.