In a tragic development that has stirred the community of Homer Glen, a couple has been indicted on charges of first-degree murder in connection with the death of their two-year-old daughter. Edward Weiher, 49, and Alexa Balen, 28, stood before a courtroom, released on pre-trial conditions after a decision made this past Monday, according to ABC7 Chicago.
The circumstances surrounding the death of young Trinity Balen-Weiher came under scrutiny on Nov. 6, 2024, when authorities arrived at the family's home on West Thorn Apple Drive in response to a reported unresponsive child and a possible carbon monoxide leak. Per WGN-TV, first responders discovered a disarray of garbage, drug paraphernalia, and signs of neglect.
Following an autopsy by the Will County coroner that suggested a more sinister cause of the child's death, the charges against Weiher and Balen were upgraded to first-degree murder. Meanwhile, amidst these grievous proceedings, the couple's six-year-old has been placed in protective custody and now finds solace under the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), WGN-TV reported.
