Authorities said that two parents from Homer Glen have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of their 2-year-old daughter late last year.
The Will County Sheriff’s Office reports that following their appearance in court on Monday, Edward Weiher, 49, and Alexa Balen, 28, were formally charged. Following a thorough investigation, the charges were added to a number of prior felony offenses against the pair.
On November 6, deputies were called to the couple’s residence in Homer Glen, located in the 12200 block of West Thorn Apple Drive, regarding a youngster who was not responding. On the way, dispatchers reported that there may be a carbon monoxide leak at the house.
Deputies discovered Weiher applying chest compressions to the child, named as Trinity Balen-Weiher, who was resting on an ottoman in the living room when they arrived, according to officials. At the time, Balen was also living with her 6-year-old daughter.
At 12:24 a.m. on November 7, 2024, Trinity was transported to Silver Cross Hospital and declared deceased.
Fire officials in Homer Township subsequently concluded that the house did not have a carbon monoxide leak.
Deputies claimed to have discovered “deplorable” living conditions during the initial inspection, including soiled diapers, medical waste, decaying food, and signs of drug use.
Near the location where Trinity was found, authorities also found many used doses of Narcan, 21 Xanax tablets on a bedroom floor, and 9 grams of heroin that was accessible to youngsters.
They brought both parents in for interrogation. After being taken into protective care, the 6-year-old was eventually turned over to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Weiher and Balen were first arrested on additional felony counts before being freed after reportedly making damning admissions during questioning.
Deputies stated that fresh evidence led to the murder charges after an autopsy and additional investigation.
According to the sheriff’s office, Weiher and Balen were both released under pretrial conditions in compliance with the Illinois SAFE-T Act.
