South Carolina father charged with attempted murder after 11-month-old found buried in dog crate
An 11-month-old boy survived a day buried in a dog crate in Lexington County; his 25-year-old father has been arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Lexington County, S.C. – An infant who was discovered alive after being buried for roughly 24 hours in a dog crate has been taken to a hospital and is expected to recover fully, authorities said. The boy, identified as Koah Sharp, was found crying and covered in dirt after rescuers heard his cries from beneath the soil.
Sheriff Jay Koon attributed the child's survival to cool temperatures and an air pocket created by a towel wrapped around the crate. He said first responders searched the area for more than a day before locating the disturbed ground and hearing the child's cries.
Michael Comer, 25, the boy's father, was arrested on Monday and charged with attempted murder along with additional counts. He has been held in custody since his arrest. The sheriff noted that the child's parents have had prior incidents, and that children can become caught in the middle of such situations.
According to the sheriff, Koah had been in the care of Michael Comer’s mother when she left to run an errand, leaving the infant with Comer until another caregiver arrived. Surveillance video showed Comer without the child on Monday afternoon. He was later apprehended hiding in a building in Batesburg-Leesville.
John Comer, the boy’s grandfather, said he opened his home to Michael Comer after the latter requested a place to stay. He expressed relief that Koah was found, noting that the location may have been crucial to the rescue.
A court hearing for Michael Comer is scheduled for Thursday. The sheriff said the investigation is ongoing and motive details have not been released.