Suburban Chicago Parents Charged with Murder After Toddler’s Drug Overdose
Couple allegedly delayed calling for help for nearly four hours.
A suburban Chicago couple faces serious legal repercussions following the tragic death of their 2-year-old daughter, Trinity Balen-Weiher, due to a drug overdose last November. Edward Weiher, 49, and Alexa Balen, 28, have been charged with first-degree murder after court documents revealed troubling details about the events leading up to their daughter’s death.
Allegations of Negligence
According to police reports, the couple bought Narcan—a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses—via Uber but failed to call 911 for approximately 4 hours once Trinity began showing signs of overdose on November 6, 2023. Law enforcement was ultimately alerted just after 11:30 PM when a concerned party reported an unresponsive child and a possible carbon monoxide leak at their home in Homer Glen, Illinois.
Upon their arrival, officers found Weiher attempting CPR on the toddler. The child was quickly transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. An initial claim by Weiher suggested that a faulty boiler may have contributed to the situation, as he reported a dangerous carbon monoxide reading of 6,000 parts per million—potentially lethal levels. However, an investigation by utility company officials found only a small gas leak, far less severe than Weiher’s claims.
A Disturbing Scene
Searches of the home uncovered extensive neglect, with police noting the premises were filled with garbage, animal waste, and suspicious white substances believed to be drugs, including cocaine and heroin. They also discovered burnt foil, commonly associated with heroin use.
Initially maintaining their carbon monoxide narrative, Balen later admitted to regular heroin use alongside Weiher. She disclosed her desire to call 911 for emergency assistance after they misadministered Narcan to Trinity but stated that Weiher insisted on ordering more Narcan instead. Tragically, the child stopped breathing before any medical help arrived.
Upgraded Charges and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Following their initial charges of child endangerment resulting in death, child endangerment, and possession of a controlled substance, law enforcement upgraded the charges to first-degree murder after it was revealed that the couple did not make a timely call for help. A pathologist concluded that Trinity would have survived had they contacted emergency services sooner.
As a result of the investigation, Balen’s 6-year-old child was taken into custody by the Department of Children and Family Services and has tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine.
The couple has been granted pretrial release and is set to appear in court on June 27, with the case raising serious questions about parental responsibility and the impact of drug abuse on family safety.
This story is still developing as authorities continue to uncover more details.
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