Family and community members say justice has been served after Wendy Bailey, the mother of missing 1-year-old Kahleb Collins, was told she will spend the rest of her life in prison.
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‘I’m glad justice is served’: Family, Fayette County community react to life sentence for mother of missing toddler
Family and community members say justice has been served after Wendy Bailey, the mother of missing 1-year-old Kahleb Collins, was told she will spend the
rest of her life in prison after pleading guilty Friday to charges related to child abuse.
Fayette County District Attorney Andy Hamlin said investigators uncovered text messages, photos and other evidence that allegedly documented severe abuse Kahleb suffered at the hands of his father, Steven Collins. Prosecutors said Bailey was aware of the abuse, but did not stop it or report it.
“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,” Hamlin said in a statement. “Wendy Bailey was aware of the abuse and did nothing to stop it or report it.”
Kahleb’s uncle, Dwayne Collins, said the guilty plea and life sentence bring a measure of relief.
“I was happy knowing that she’s not ever going to be able to do this to any more kids. You can’t take nothing away from them being gone, but I’m glad justice is served,” Collins said.
When Collins was asked about the details laid out by the District Attorney, he said he wishes Bailey had spoken up.
“He supposedly was abusing her too, and that’s what was scaring her so much,” Collins said. “She knew stuff was going on and didn’t say anything. She could have reported this and he could have went to jail, and the kids would have been here.”
Karlie Allen was one of many in the Fayette County community who was rocked by the heartbreaking story, and
helped organize vigils to honor the life of Kahleb and his sister Ryleigh, as well as to honor the first responders who worked tirelessly on the case.
“There’s been so many people, especially family members, who’ve awaited this day,” Allen said. “I’m so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude to see it happen. I pray now that we are able to see Kahleb receive a proper burial someday and we will always celebrate Ryleigh and Kahleb’s lives and remember them every day.”
In the future, Collins says he also hopes to see changes with DHR in the state.
“From my understanding, they were involved with the kids and how things went, and DHR failed the kids,” said Collins. “I hope DHR can do better so that way this won’t happen to any other kids.”
Authorities have also been asked about human remains found at the family’s home and whether they were positively identified as Kahleb’s. The sheriff and district attorney were unavailable when reached for answers Friday.
Collins said he hopes he learns soon whether the remains belong to Kahleb so that he can have closure and properly lay his nephew to rest.
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