Homer Glen Couple Charged with Murder in Death of 2-Year-Old Daughter
Edward Weiher, 49, and Alexa Balen, 28, both of Homer Glen, have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of their 2-year-old daughter, Trinity Balen-Weiher.
These charges follow an extensive investigation and come after multiple prior charges filed against the couple.
These charges stem from an incident on November 6, 2024, when deputies from the Will County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence in the 12200 block of W. Thorn Apple Drive in Homer Glen. While en route, deputies were informed of a possible carbon monoxide leak in the home.
Upon arrival, deputies found Edward Weiher administering chest compressions to the child, Trinity, who was lying on an ottoman in the living room. Also present in the residence were the child’s mother, Alexa Balen, and her 6-year-old daughter.
Trinity was transported by the Homer Township Fire Department to Silver Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 12:24 a.m. on November 7, 2024.
Homer Township Fire personnel and Nicor Gas confirmed there was no gas leak at the residence. During the initial investigation, deputies observed deplorable living conditions, including garbage, rotting food, soiled diapers and clothing, medical waste, and significant evidence of narcotics use.
Approximately 9 grams of heroin were discovered throughout the home, within reach of both children. Deputies also located 21 Alprazolam (Xanax) pills on a bedroom floor and multiple doses of used Narcan near where Trinity had been found.
Both Weiher and Balen were taken to the Will County Sheriff’s Investigations Unit for questioning. The 6-year-old child was placed in protective custody and later released to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Crime Scene Investigators processed the residence while detectives conducted interviews with the suspects. During questioning, both Weiher and Balen made incriminating statements. They were subsequently arrested on initial felony charges and later released.
Following the autopsy conducted by Will County Coroner Laurie H. Summers, new evidence supported charges of first-degree murder.
On June 2nd, 2025, Weiher and Balen appeared in court and were indicted on first degree murder charges. Both Weiher and Balen have been released on pretrial conditions per the Illinois Safe-T Act.