An 11-month-old South Carolina boy who was found buried alive in a dog crate for more than 24 hours has been released from the hospital, while his father faces attempted murder charges in the case.
Koah Sharp was described as “clinging to life” when rescuers found him Tuesday afternoon buried in a shallow dirt hole inside a dog crate wrapped in a towel, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. By Tuesday evening, the infant was well enough to be discharged and returned home to his family. The sheriff announced the release Wednesday and said Koah’s medical team expects him to make a full recovery.
The child’s father, 25-year-old Michael Comer, has been charged with attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary.
Authorities say Comer took the baby and buried him in the shallow grave on Monday after Koah’s grandmother, Patricia Comer, left her son’s home to run an errand while another caregiver was on the way. By the time that caregiver arrived, Comer and Koah had disappeared.
Concerned for her grandson’s safety, Patricia Comer called 911.
“I had a bad feeling that something was not right,” Patricia Comer told WACH FOX News.
She told authorities she had long been worried about her son’s mental health, noting he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and manic depression, and that he had made suicidal comments in the past. She also said he had mentioned taking Koah to New York, claiming he had friends there who could help him find work, according to WIS 10.
Investigators said they have not determined a specific motive but are aware of ongoing friction between Comer and Koah’s mother, who are not in a relationship. Comer’s family told authorities they believe jealousy over his son’s mother may have driven him to take the child.
Comer was arrested Monday on burglary charges after being found hiding in a shed while Koah was still missing. More than 100 first responders from local, state and federal agencies joined the search before a freshly disturbed patch of dirt near Comer’s home led investigators to the site.
Rescuers began digging after hearing the infant crying beneath the ground.
“As you can imagine, the race was on. Everyone was trying to get him out,” Sheriff Koon said. “He immediately was placed in the care of EMS and transported to the hospital as soon as they got him out.”
Koon said he believes the crate, wrapped in a towel, created an air pocket that kept the baby alive while buried underground.
Anyone affected by domestic violence issues raised in this story can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
