Christian Parmalee Edwards, 44, who was arrested for allegedly transforming his Oakhurst vacation rental into a surveillance den and hoarding child sexual abuse material, has been found dead. The Madera County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Edwards was discovered deceased inside a home on Granite Butte Way in Oakhurst. Deputies responded to the residence and pronounced Edwards dead at the scene. The cause of death has not been released, but authorities stated that foul play is not suspected.
Edwards' death comes months after his arrest in March. Detectives with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force executed a search warrant at the property. Investigators allege Edwards was secretly recording unsuspecting guests at his vacation rental during private moments and had amassed over 4,000 digital files containing child sexual abuse material. Sheriff Tyson Pogue stated at the time of the arrest that Edwards was found watching his most recent video as detectives arrived to serve the warrant. During the search, authorities also reported finding a life-like child doll designed for sexual use, with its hands bound, and children's clothing. Investigators further alleged that Edwards used the home as a short-term vacation rental while simultaneously recording guests.
Court records indicated that Edwards allegedly filmed women and children in the lower level of the mansion, including at least one unclothed child. He also reportedly attempted to record renters through window blinds from outside the home. During the March raid, detectives also found newly purchased children's clothing. In April, Edwards was released after posting $75,000 bail. He was facing one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The Madera County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the investigation into Edwards' death is ongoing.