Horror in Brookhaven: Mother Latasha Robinson and Grandfather James Battles Indicted After 1-Year-Old Kahleb Collins Found Dead in Burn Pile

Brookhaven, Mississippi — A community is reeling after authorities confirmed the worst fears in the tragic disappearance of 1-year-old Kahleb Collins. The toddler, who had been reported missing from his family’s residence in Brookhaven, Mississippi, was found dead in a gruesome discovery — his remains located in a backyard burn pile behind the family home.

Following weeks of investigation, a Lincoln County grand jury has indicted both the child’s mother, 20-year-old Latasha Robinson, and his maternal grandfather, 53-year-old James Battles, on multiple felony charges, including capital murder, desecration of a corpse, and conspiracy to conceal a death.

Disappearance and Discovery

Kahleb Collins was reported missing in early April after family members allegedly provided conflicting accounts about his whereabouts. Initially, Latasha Robinson claimed the child had been taken by a relative and later changed her story multiple times, prompting suspicion from law enforcement.

According to court documents and statements from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, investigators were led to search the family’s rural property on the outskirts of Brookhaven. After days of digging and forensic examination, human remains were uncovered in a smoldering burn pile located behind a detached garage on the property.

DNA testing confirmed the remains to be that of Kahleb Collins. Authorities described the discovery as “deeply disturbing” and “indicative of a deliberate attempt to destroy evidence.”

Grand Jury Indictments

On Thursday, May 8, a grand jury returned indictments against both Robinson and Battles. Prosecutors allege that the pair worked together to not only end the life of the child but also to actively cover up the crime through the burning of the body and subsequent false statements to investigators.

District Attorney Dee Bates announced the charges in a press conference held outside the Lincoln County Courthouse.

“This is a heartbreaking case — one that shakes our faith in the basic sanctity of parenthood and protection,” said Bates. “A mother and grandfather should be protectors, not perpetrators. We intend to pursue justice for Kahleb with the full weight of the law.”

Details Emerge from Investigation

Court affidavits obtained by local media reveal disturbing allegations: investigators believe Kahleb may have been dead for several days before he was reported missing. Interviews with neighbors and extended family indicated that cries from the child had not been heard in the home since late March. Several witnesses noted the smell of burning materials and smoke rising from the backyard during that period.

A search warrant revealed charred children’s clothing and remnants of a baby blanket among the ashes. Forensic anthropologists from the Mississippi State Crime Lab have been working to recover and identify remains and other evidence to determine the exact cause of death.

Sheriff Steve Rushing expressed sorrow over the case and commended the tireless work of investigators and forensic experts.

“This is one of the hardest cases we’ve seen,” said Rushing. “We were all praying for a different outcome. Our thoughts are with those who truly loved this little boy.”

Community Outrage and Mourning

The news of Kahleb’s death has sparked a wave of outrage and mourning in Brookhaven, a close-knit community still grappling with how such a tragedy could unfold. A makeshift memorial has been set up outside the home where Kahleb once lived, filled with stuffed animals, candles, and handwritten notes from neighbors and concerned residents.

“I can’t believe someone would hurt an innocent baby like that,” said Monica Harris, a neighbor who helped organize a candlelight vigil in downtown Brookhaven. “We loved that child from afar, and now we just want answers — and justice.”

The Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services has confirmed that they had no prior contact with the family before the incident, but an internal review has been launched to assess whether any missed warning signs or previous complaints were overlooked.

Next Steps in Legal Proceedings

Latasha Robinson and James Battles are currently being held without bond at the Lincoln County Jail. Their arraignment is scheduled for later this month, and prosecutors have not ruled out pursuing the death penalty, citing the victim’s age and the alleged effort to conceal the crime as aggravating factors.

Defense attorneys for the pair have yet to issue public statements, and court filings indicate both intend to plead not guilty.

The case has garnered statewide and even national attention, raising broader questions about child welfare, mental health, and the responsibilities of caregivers. Advocates for child protection and domestic violence prevention have called for increased resources to help identify at-risk children before tragedies like this occur.

Remembering Kahleb

In the midst of the horror, many are choosing to focus on remembering Kahleb as a joyful, energetic child who had just started to learn to walk and speak. Family members not involved in the crime described him as a bright light.

“Kahleb was full of laughter. He loved music and playing with his toy cars,” said his aunt, Sharnice Collins. “We will carry his memory in our hearts forever. No child deserves this.”

A funeral service is being planned, with the community expected to gather in large numbers to mourn the life of a child lost far too soon.