Ohio Parents Arrested, Man Sought in Infant's Death
Two parents were arrested and another man is sought in connection with the fatal injuries suffered by a three-month-old infant in Athens County.
Two parents were arrested in connection with the death of a three-month-old infant, marking a somber chapter in Athens County, Ohio. The incident, which occurred on February 26, 2026, saw Hannah Edinger, aged 29, and Justin Dye, aged 25, taken into custody following allegations that they endangered their child while under their care.
William Alexander McCallister, 32, is also at the center of the case, having been indicted for multiple felony charges related to the infant's death. According to reports, McCallister was caring for the baby from February 21, 2026, until the time of the infant's passing. It is alleged that he inflicted fatal injuries upon the child during this period.
The parents were transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail, where a monetary bond has been set for them. Meanwhile, the Athens County Sheriff's Office continues its efforts to locate McCallister, who remains at large and is considered a person of interest in the case.
While the circumstances surrounding the infant's death have garnered significant attention, there is some dispute regarding the specific cause. While one source suggests a link to marijuana, this claim is not supported by other reports, leaving the exact nature of the infant's condition at the time of death unverified.
In addition to the immediate family members involved, another adult is reportedly wanted in connection with the infant's death but has yet to be apprehended. This adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation, as authorities seek to piece together the full narrative of events leading up to the tragic outcome.
What we know
- - Two parents were arrested in connection with the death of a 3-month-old infant. 1234
- - The incident occurred in Athens County, Ohio. 1234
- - William Alexander McCallister, aged 32, is indicted for multiple felony charges related to the death of an infant. 234
- - Hannah Edinger, aged 29, and Justin Dye, aged 25, are charged with endangering their three-month-old child. 23
- - The infant died on February 26, 2026, after being left in the care of McCallister on February 21, 2026. 23
- - McCallister is alleged to have inflicted fatal injuries on the infant during his care. 23
What remains unclear
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 69%, weighted across 13 claims from 4 independent outlets.
- confirmed Two parents were arrested in connection with the death of a 3-month-old infant. (92%)
- confirmed The incident occurred in Athens County, Ohio. (92%)
- likely William Alexander McCallister, aged 32, is indicted for multiple felony charges related to the death of an infant. (84%)
- likely Hannah Edinger, aged 29, and Justin Dye, aged 25, are charged with endangering their three-month-old child. (70%)
- likely The infant died on February 26, 2026, after being left in the care of McCallister on February 21, 2026. (70%)
- likely McCallister is alleged to have inflicted fatal injuries on the infant during his care. (70%)
- unverified Three adults total have been indicted for the death of the infant. (50%)
- disputed The death of the infant is linked to marijuana. (30%)
- likely One additional adult is wanted in relation to the infant's death but has not been captured yet. (84%)
- likely The parents were taken to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail. (70%)
- likely The Athens County Sheriff's Office is seeking information to locate McCallister. (70%)
- unverified Edinger and Dye were arrested on Wednesday in Chauncey, Ohio. (50%)
- likely A monetary bond is set for the parents. (70%)
Sources
- NBC4 WCMH-TV (Columbus) — Ohio parents arrested, man wanted in marijuana death of infant
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/athens-county/ohio-parents-arrested-man-wanted-in-marijuana-death-of-infant/ - WSYX (Columbus) — Parents charged with child endangerment after infant's death, suspect still at large
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/parents-charged-with-child-endangerment-after-infants-death-suspect-still-at-large-athens-county-sheriffs-office-rodney-smith-william-mccallister-justin-dye-hannah-edinger-arrested-child-endangerment-charged-fatal-wanted - myfox28columbus.com (Franklin County) — Parents charged with child endangerment after infant's death, suspect still at large
https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/parents-charged-with-child-endangerment-after-infants-death-suspect-still-at-large-athens-county-sheriffs-office-rodney-smith-william-mccallister-justin-dye-hannah-edinger-arrested-child-endangerment-charged-fatal-wanted - 10TV (Columbus) — Man wanted on murder charge in Athens County infant's death; parents also facing charges
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/man-wanted-athens-county-infant-girl-death-parents-charged/530-ae758b02-c006-441a-b5e5-b8d2e25b1967