Homer Glen, IL – Two Homer Glen parentshave been charged with first-degree murder after their two-year-old daughter was found unresponsive in November 2024, in what was initially believed to be a carbon monoxide incident.
According to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, Edward Weiher, 49, and Alexa Balen, 28, both of Homer Glen, were formally indicted Saturday following a months-long investigation into the death of Trinity Balen-Weiher. The child was discovered on November 6, 2024, after deputies responded to a 911 call at a home in the 12200 block of W. Thorn Apple Drive.
Deputies reported that upon arrival, Weiher was reportedly performing chest compressions on Trinity, who was found unresponsive on an ottoman in the living room. Also inside the home were Balen and her six-year-old daughter. Trinity was rushed to Silver Cross Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after midnight on November 7.
Nicor Gas technicians and Homer Township Fire officials determined there was no gas leak present. According to investigators, the home was allegedly found in “deplorable” condition, including garbage, rotting food, soiled diapers, and drug paraphernalia. Authorities discovered approximately nine grams of heroin, Xanax pills, and multiple doses of Narcan near where the child was located.
Both suspects were initially charged with felony drug and child endangerment offenses but were released while awaiting further investigation. The six-year-old child was placed into the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.
Will County Coroner Laurie H. Summers conducted the autopsy and later provided evidence supporting the upgraded charges. On Saturday, both Weiher and Balen were indicted for first-degree murder. They have been released on pretrial conditions under the Illinois Safe-T Act.
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