A mother in Alabama was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to the abuse that led to the death of her 1-year-old son in 2024.
Prosecutors accused Wendy Pamela Jean Bailey of knowing that the child’s father, Steven Collins, abused their son, Kahleb, and she never intervened or reported it.
Bailey, 24, pleaded guilty to first-degree domestic violence and aggravated child abuse involving a child younger than 6. 24th Judicial Circuit District Attorney Andy Hamlin then announced in a press release that she was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences on Friday, July 10.
“This was a deeply upsetting case for our community. People were horrified by what happened to Kahleb, and many have followed this case closely from the beginning,” Hamlin said. “Based on the evidence and the timeline that was established, Steven Collins carried out unthinkable acts against this child that we believe ultimately led to his death. Wendy Bailey was aware of the abuse and did nothing to stop it or report it.”
Bailey’s attorney, Stuart D. Albea, said in a statement to ABC 3340 that “Wendy accepted responsibility today because she believes that’s what accountability requires.”
“This case also cannot be understood without acknowledging the abuse she endured herself at the hands of Steven Collins — but that context doesn’t erase what happened to Kahleb, and she has never suggested it should,” Albea continued. “Our thoughts are with everyone who loved this child.”
Bailey was sentenced following an investigation into the missing persons case of Kahleb, who was last seen in September 2024.
Authorities learned that Kahleb was missing after his older sister, RyLeigh, and Collins died in a car crash on December 8, 2024. Bailey was also in the vehicle at the time of the accident and sustained critical injuries.
As authorities looked into the matter, it was discovered that Kahleb had been missing for three months and that Collins had stated on social media that Kahleb was sick in November 2024.
Police ultimately learned that Khlaeb suffered gruesome abuse at the hands of his father. On at least one occasion, Kahleb was photographed “hanging from a loft with a rope,” in charging documents, according to People.
Investigators later discovered burn piles on the family’s property and an anthropologist confirmed there were human remains in the piles, per WBRC.
Hamlin explained that the investigation included examining debris from burn piles on the property, as well as searches of multiple electronic devices. Additionally, he said that investigators discovered “messages, photographs, and other evidence documenting severe abuse perpetrated by Steven Collins.”
While Kahleb’s exact date of death is not known, authorities believe he died between September and December 2024.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
