Oakhurst Man Facing Child Exploitation Charges Found Dead

An Oakhurst man facing multiple felony charges following a child exploitation investigation earlier this year has been found dead, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, identified as Christian Parmalee Edwards, 44, was found deceased Friday inside his home on Granite Butte Way in Oakhurst.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the residence after receiving a report of an unresponsive person. Detectives and the Madera County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene.

Authorities said there were no signs of foul play. The official cause and manner of death will be determined by the Madera County Coroner following its investigation.

Edwards was arrested in March after a joint investigation by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

Investigators alleged they recovered thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material during a search of the residence. They also alleged Edwards had secretly recorded guests staying at the home while it was being rented as a short-term vacation property.

Following the March investigation, the Sheriff’s Office asked anyone who had stayed at the residence between 2023 and March 2026 to contact investigators as potential victims.

Court records show Edwards was facing multiple felony charges related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Those charges had not yet been adjudicated at the time of his death.

The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the death. The Coroner’s Office is expected to determine the official cause and manner of death.