Lexington County, S.C. — On Tuesday afternoon, Lexington County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered 11‑month‑old Koah Sharpe alive inside a shallow burial of a two‑foot‑by‑two‑foot dog crate. The infant, wrapped in a towel, had survived roughly 24 hours underground, a fact Sheriff Bryan Koon attributed to “the grace of God” and a small air pocket created by the towel.
How the boy was found
According to Sheriff Koon, the search began after Koah’s mother, Patricia Comer, reported her son missing on Monday. The boy had been left in the care of his father, Michael Comer, who later disappeared with the child. Law enforcement searched the father’s father’s residence, finding the doors open and baby belongings inside but no sign of the child or his father.
Nearly 100 officers, firefighters and other officials, including agents from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the FBI and the ATF, combed the area surrounding the home. Searchers uncovered a disturbed patch of earth about 50 yards into nearby woods. When they began to dig, they heard the baby’s cries, prompting a rapid rescue.
Father arrested and charges pending
Michael Comer was arrested late Monday on a burglary charge after being located in an outbuilding on the property. He was not found with the infant. Authorities are working with the Lexington County prosecutor’s office to determine additional charges related to the child’s endangerment. It remains unclear whether Comer has legal representation at this time.
Mother’s response and community reaction
Patricia Comer expressed shock and sorrow, stating that her son’s alleged actions were “pure evil” and that there were no warning signs. She thanked the sheriff’s department and all agencies involved for their swift response, noting that she would have done anything to prevent the tragedy.
Comer also highlighted that her son had previously served a short jail term for a drunken incident involving an ex‑partner’s home, but she insisted he “only goes to work and comes home.” She lamented the blame being placed on her and affirmed her commitment to her grandson’s recovery.
Medical update
After being unearthed, Koah was taken to a local hospital where he is receiving care. Sheriff Koon said the infant was screaming loudly, which in pediatric terms can be a positive sign of airway patency. He expressed hope that the child will make a full recovery, adding that the cool weather may have also aided his survival.
Community and faith
The incident has sparked a wave of prayers and support from local churches and faith‑based groups, underscoring the community’s reliance on both law enforcement and spiritual comfort during crises. Sheriff Koon remarked that “the good Lord looked down on him the last 24 hours,” reflecting the prevailing sentiment of gratitude among residents.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the burial and will keep the public informed as the case progresses.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
