Bizarre twist in California spy camera rental mansion case as suspect found dead

The California creep accused of transforming his upscale vacation rental into a secret surveillance den, while allegedly hoarding thousands of child sexual abuse files, has been found dead months after his arrest.

Christian Parmalee Edwards, 44, was discovered dead inside a home on Granite Butte Way in Oakhurst after someone found his body and alerted authorities, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies responded to the residence at 50730 Granite Butte Way, where Edwards was pronounced dead. Investigators have not released his cause of death, but said foul play is not suspected.

Edwards’ death comes months after he was arrested in a disturbing investigation that accused him of secretly recording unsuspecting guests staying at his Oakhurst vacation rental during private moments.

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 and allegedly uncovered more than 4,000 digital files containing child sexual abuse material.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue said at the time, “Edwards was found to be watching his most recent video as detectives contacted him to serve a search warrant. Detectives also found him to be in possession of a life-like child doll designed for sexual use. The doll’s hands were bound. He was also in possession of children’s clothes.”

Investigators also alleged Edwards used the home as a short-term vacation rental while secretly recording guests.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters

Court records said he allegedly filmed women and children in the lower level of the mansion, including at least one unclothed child, and even attempted to record renters through window blinds from outside the home.

In April, Edwards was released after posting the $75,000 bail set in his case.

He was facing one felony count of possession of child sexual abuse material.

Detectives also reported finding newly purchased children’s clothing during the March raid, along with the life-like child doll and the alleged cache of child sexual abuse material.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation into Edwards’ death remains ongoing, although detectives do not believe foul play was involved.