Homer Glen couple charged with first-degree murder in connection with 2-year-old daughter’s death

UPDATE: WGN News has uncovered more details into the alleged murder.

Original story:

WILL COUNTY, Ill. — The parents of a two-year-old girl who died under suspicious circumstances inside their Will County home in 2024 have been charged with first-degree murder.

Police in Will County were called to the home of 49-year-old Edward Weiher and 28-year-old Alexa Balen, located in the 2200 block of West Thorn Apple Drive, just after 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 6, 2024, on reports of an unresponsive child and a possible carbon monoxide leak.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Weiher, who owns the home, performing chest compressions on two-year-old Trinity Balen-Weiher on an ottoman in the living room. Balen and her six-year-old daughter were also inside the home.

During the initial investigation, deputies say they spotted garbage, rotten food, soiled diapers and clothing, medical waste and evidence of significant drug use.

Nine grams of heroin were found in the home, within reach of both children, police say. 21 Xanax pills were also on a bedroom floor and multiple doses of Narcan were located near the ottoman where the child was when police arrived.

Trinity Balen-Weiher was taken to Silver Cross Hospital, where she died the next day.

Homer Township Fire personnel and Nicor Gas confirmed there was no gas leak at the residence.

Balen’s six-year-old daughter was placed in protective custody and later released to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

According to the Will County Sheriff’s Office, both Weiher and Balen made incriminating statements during interviews. They were arrested on initial felony charges and later released.

However, an autopsy conducted by the Will County coroner shows new evidence that supports first-degree murder charges.

Weiher and Balen appeared in court and were indicted on the new charges Monday. They have been released under pretrial conditions per the Illinois Safe-T Act.