Lexington County, S.C. – An 11‑month‑old infant named Koah Sharpe was rescued alive on Tuesday after being buried in a two‑foot‑by‑two‑foot dog crate near the home of his father’s father. The swift response of local law‑enforcement, fire‑rescue personnel and federal agencies helped locate the child within 24 hours of his disappearance.
Search effort and discovery
Lexington County Sheriff Bryan Koon told reporters the crate, wrapped in a towel, was found around 1:30 p.m. near the senior Comer residence. “By the grace of God, the towel likely created an air pocket that kept him breathing,” Koon said, adding that the cool weather also worked in the child’s favor.
Deputies first learned Koah was missing after his mother, Patricia Comer, reported him absent when a friend arrived to drop off formula. “Something just did not feel right,” Patricia recalled, prompting her to leave work and search for her grandson.
Law‑enforcement officials, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the FBI and the ATF, joined a search party of nearly 100 officers, firefighters and volunteers. They uncovered a shallow burial site about 50 yards into nearby woods, where they heard the baby’s cries as the ground was disturbed.
Father’s arrest and ongoing investigation
Michael Comer was arrested late Monday on a burglary charge after being located in an outbuilding on his father’s property. He was not found with the infant. The sheriff’s office has not released details about additional charges related to the child’s disappearance, but Koon confirmed prosecutors are reviewing the case.
Patricia Comer, who has full custody of Koah, said the incident was “pure evil” and expressed shock at her son’s alleged actions. She noted that there was no formal custody agreement preventing Michael from caring for the child, and that he had previously watched Koah without incident.
Community response and gratitude
The community rallied around the family, with many expressing gratitude for the coordinated response. “I thank the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and all the agencies that helped find my grandson alive,” Patricia said.
Koah was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery, according to medical staff. Sheriff Koon noted the baby’s loud cries were a positive sign, saying, “He was screaming at the top of his lungs, which is a good thing in the baby world.”
Looking ahead
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and will determine any further legal actions against Michael Comer. The case underscores the importance of vigilant parenting, rapid community response, and the role of faith in guiding first‑responders during crises.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
