An 11-month-old baby boy was found buried alive inside a dog crate after a 24-hour search, with authorities describing the sound of his crying as the 'most joyful sound'. Koah Sharp was discovered in a wire crate buried in the ground near his grandfather's home in South Carolina, 'clinging to life', according to local police.
Discovery After Disturbed Dirt
The search began when the boy went missing at around 11am on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, search teams noticed 'freshly disturbed' dirt and pine straw, prompting law enforcement to begin digging before they heard the infant crying.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said, "Certainly, God is good. Just a few moments ago we found little Koah Sharp. 11-months-old, buried alive, clinging to life." He added, "He was crying, the most joyful sound you ever heard of a crying baby."
Father Arrested
The boy's 25-year-old father, Michael Comer, was later found hiding in an outbuilding and was arrested on charges of burglary and resisting arrest, but not yet charged in connection with the incident. Koah had been in the care of his grandmother, Trish Comer, which the sheriff said 'happens quite often'.
When Trish needed to run an errand, the baby was left in Michael's care before another caregiver was set to arrive. But 'by the time the caregiver got there, Michael was gone and Koah was gone with him', Koon added.
Air Pocket and Survival
Police were called at around midday on Monday, at which point they investigated the home of the boy's grandfather 'up the street'. At the home, police found both doors open, baby belongings in the house but 'no sign of Michael or the baby'. The father was 'not known to have a car', and police believed he hitchhiked from 'place to place'.
The child was pulled from inside the crate which had been covered in a towel, which Koon said may have created an air pocket helping him survive. "By the Grace of God, probably provided enough air for him to survive, our estimation is about 24 hours, under that dirt," Sheriff Koon said.
Investigation Continues
While searching for Comer, investigators discovered video of the dad in the Batesburg-Leesville area 'with no baby'. Late on Monday evening, Comer was found in an outbuilding at a house in Batesburg and was arrested. "He didn't have much to say about the whereabouts of the baby at that time," Koon added.
