The father of an 11-month-old boy found alive after being buried in a dog cage has been charged with attempted murder and other charges, authorities said Wednesday.
The baby, Koah Sharp, was taken by his father, Michael Comer, 25, on Monday, and he was pulled from the ground Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff of Lexington County, South Carolina, said.
The baby is expected to make a full recovery. He was reportedly buried in the metal crate, which was wrapped in a towel for about 24 hours, Sheriff Brayn “Jay” Koon said.
The towel most likely created an air pocket that allowed Koah to breathe, and the cool weather may also have helped him survive, Koon said.
Comer, who was arrested on burglary charges after being found in an outbuilding Monday evening, is charged with attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary, the sheriff’s office announced Wednesday.
Researchers investigating a patch of disturbed earth near a home owned by Comer’s father heard the baby’s cries and quickly dug him up, Koon said.
Koah was released from the hospital Tuesday, the sheriff’s office said, and is with family members.
Koah was reported missing Monday afternoon, authorities said. The report sparked a search that included the FBI; firefighters; the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and local law enforcement.
Comer was in custody Wednesday, according to jail records. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
Koah’s mother has custody of the child, Comer’s mother said. Koah’s mother told a sheriff’s deputy that she had allowed Comer to have the child briefly, but expected it to only last a day or two, according to a police report.
She told the deputy that Comer had threatened her on Facebook Messenger to keep Koah, according to the police report.
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