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Homer Glen parents face charges following daughter's death

By FOX 32 News
Published  November 12, 2024 9:24pm CST
Homer Glen
FOX 32 Chicago

Parents in Homer Glen charged with death of daughter

The parents of a two-year-old have been charged in her death.

The Brief

    • A 2-year-old Homer Glen girl died after being found unresponsive on Nov. 6, and her parents, Edward Wieher and Alexa Balen, face multiple charges, including endangering a child's life and drug possession.
    • Deputies discovered 9 grams of heroin, Xanax pills, and evidence of unsafe living conditions, including garbage, soiled diapers, and medical waste, in the home.
    • The 6-year-old child is now in the custody of DCFS, and the cause of death is pending an autopsy and toxicology report. Additional charges may be filed.

WILL COUNTY - A 2-year-old Homer Glen girl is dead, and her parents are facing charges in connection with her death.

Edward Wieher, 49, and Alexa Balen, 27, are each facing multiple charges after their daughter died last week. According to Will County deputies, their charges include: 

  • One felony count of endangering the life or health of a child
  • Two counts of unlawful possession of a controlled substance
  • One misdemeanor count of endangering the life or health of a child

Deputies responded to a call at 11:37 p.m. Nov. 6 in the 12200 block of W. Thorn Apple Drive for an unresponsive child, identified as Trinity Balen-Weiher.

When deputies arrived, they found Edward performing chest compressions on Trinity, who was on an ottoman in the living room. Alexa and her 6-year-old child were also in the home.

Trinity was transported to Silver Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 12:24 a.m., Nov. 7.

A subsequent investigation revealed there was no gas leak in the home. However, deputies said they found garbage, rotten food, soiled diapers, clothing, medical waste, and evidence of drug use. 

Authorities recovered 9 grams of heroin and 21 pills of Xanax (Alprazolam) throughout the house, according to Will County deputies.

Deputies believe the heroin was within reach of both Trinity and the 6-year-old child.

Multiple doses of Narcan were also found near the 2-year-old girl, where she was receiving chest compressions.

Both parents were taken to the Will County Sheriff's Office for questioning, where they made incriminating statements, according to deputies. 

Edward was later transported to the Will County Jail, where he awaits a pretrial detention hearing scheduled for Nov. 14. Alexa was taken to a hospital for treatment for a medical condition. After her release, she will be arrested on an outstanding warrant.

The Will County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy on Trinity, but the cause and manner of death are pending the results of the autopsy and toxicology reports.

Additional charges may be filed once the investigation is complete, according to deputies.

The 6-year-old is now in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

The Source

  • The information in this article was provided by the Will County Sheriff's Office.