An 11-month-old infant survived being buried alive in a dog crate for approximately 24 hours in South Carolina. Authorities say the boy went missing after he was left in the care of his father while his mother ran errands.
Infant Reported Missing After Being Left With His Father
According to People, Koah Sharpe’s mother left him with his father, Michael Comer, on Monday, November 9. When another caregiver arrived at his mother’s home, Comer and Koah were not there. Investigators said they went to Comer’s home because he lived nearby, but they found only Koah’s items and no one there. They said video evidence showed Comer getting rides around town without Koah.
Officials later found Comer at an outbuilding near a different home and arrested him on a burglary charge, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office. Koah was not with him when officials arrested him. However, more than 100 public safety officials searched the area and found a site near Comer’s father’s house, where they noticed a fresh pile of dirt.
As they dug, rescuers could hear Koah crying. He was wrapped in a blanket inside the dog carrier. The baby was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, but he is expected to recover.
“Hopefully at 11 months old, he will not remember much of this as he grows older, just to have a great inspiring story to tell,” said Sheriff Jay Koon.
Motive Still Unclear as More Charges Expected
Officials have not determined a motive, but during a press conference, they said there had been some “situations” between Comer and Koah’s mother. Comer is expected to face more charges, but officials have not revealed further details.