The Columbia Police Department, in cooperation with several local and state agencies, has concluded a child fatality investigation spanning several months which has resulted in two arrests.
On June 4, 2020 at approximately 9:36amCT, Officers were dispatched to an apartment at Bridgeport Circle (along with Adair EMS) for a child who was unresponsive. Adair County Deputy Coroner Wayne Ray would also respond and 10-month-old Arya Wyntre Bell Graham was pronounced deceased. Officers on scene began a death investigation and after results from an autopsy and forensic toxicology exam, it was determined the cause of death was due to a fentanyl overdose.
On August 26, 2021 the case was presented to the Adair County Grand Jury and two indictment warrants were issued. Graham’s parents were located yesterday (September 1st) in Cleveland, Ohio and both were taken into custody by Officers with the Cleveland Police Department.
Melanie Graham, 36, formerly of Columbia, has been charged with Manslaughter 2nd degree; Bradley Graham, 36, formerly of Columbia, has been charged with reckless homicide.
Both individuals are currently being held in Cleveland, Ohio and will be extradited to Adair County at a later date.
Sgt Evan Burton was the lead investigator. He was assisted by multiple Officers as well as The Adair County Coroners Office, Department of Child Protective Services, Kentucky State Police Post 15, and The Cleveland Ohio Police Department.
