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, cause of death was determined to be 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 on September 1, in Cleveland, Ohio and both taken into custody by officers with The Cleveland Police Department.
Melanie Graham, 36, formerly of Columbia, has been charged with Manslaughter 2nd degree, and Bradley Graham, 36, also formerly of Columbia, has been charged with reckless homicide.
Both Melanie and Bradley Graham 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 Coroner’s Office, Department of Child Protective Services, Kentucky State Police Post 15, and the Cleveland Ohio Police Department.
