An 11-month-old boy was rescued alive after spending about 24 hours buried in a dog crate in woodland in Lexington County, South Carolina. His father, 25-year-old Michael Comer, has been charged with attempted murder, authorities said.
Koah Sharp was found on Tuesday, November 10, after searchers spotted freshly disturbed soil and heard crying underground, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. The child was taken to hospital and discharged that night. Koon said he was expected to make a full recovery.
Rescuers believe cool temperatures and an air pocket formed by a towel wrapped around the crate may have helped the boy survive. His grandfather, John Comer, said Koah was crying and covered in dirt when he was pulled out.
Search began after the child disappeared
Authorities said Koah had been staying with Michael Comer’s mother. She left the child with her son while running an errand, with another caregiver expected to arrive. By the time that caregiver reached the home, both Michael and Koah were gone, Koon said.
Michael Comer was arrested on Monday while hiding in a building in Batesburg-Leesville and has remained in custody. A court hearing was scheduled for Thursday. Authorities have not announced a possible motive.
Comer’s father said his son had asked to stay with him and Koah on Monday. The baby’s great-aunt, Amber Hammond, told the Associated Press that relatives had not expected anything like the disappearance to happen.
In October, Michael Comer was sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to domestic violence and aggravated breach-of-the-peace charges related to a July arrest, according to the source account.
Clayton Ward