A mother in Alabama was charged this week in connection with the deaths of two toddlers, authorities announced.
Why It Matters
The mother of a missing Alabama toddler admitted to investigators that the child had died and his body was initially stored in a bag inside a shed before being relocated, according to a criminal complaint filed against her on Monday.
What To Know
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday the arrest of Wendy Pamela Bailey, 22, on charges including child abuse, domestic violence and abuse of a corpse. She also faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide for failing to secure her 2-year-old daughter in a child restraint during a December 8 car crash.
Authorities are continuing their search for the remains of 1-year-old Kahleb Collins, whose whereabouts remain unknown. Investigators suspect that Kahleb Collins died in September or October, according to the complaint. However, his case came to light only after a December 8 car crash that claimed the lives of his father and 2-year-old sister, and left his mother, Bailey, injured.
Court records do not list an attorney for Bailey who could speak on her behalf.
According to court records, investigators believe Steven Bradley “Brad” Collins, the boy’s father, physically abused Kahleb Collins. The charges against Bailey allege that she failed to report or intervene in the abuse and was aware that her son’s body had been placed in an outdoor storage shed.
Authorities have not disclosed how they believe the child died or who was responsible for disposing of his body.
Allegations of Abuse
The complaint outlines disturbing details of the alleged abuse, including photographs Steven Collins reportedly sent to Bailey in July. The images showed the bloodied boy hanging from a rope and lying bruised on the floor.
The complaint includes messages investigators say Steven Collins sent to Bailey in July. The messages reportedly read, “He want move,” followed by “I’m so sorry” and later, “He moving.” Bailey allegedly responded, “He just looks wore out and tired and hopefully that’s all.”
Investigators confirmed that the child’s father was behind the wheel during the fatal December 8 crash.
What People Are Saying
On Monday, 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin announced the charges against Bailey and said, “This investigation has been particularly challenging as it involved the tragic deaths of two young children,” according to AL.com news
“I want to commend the efforts and cooperation shown by every agency involved: the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Alabama State Troopers,” Hamlin added.
What’s Next
It is currently unclear how the mother will respond to the charges brought against her.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
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