An 11-month-old baby was found buried alive inside a dog crate in a wooded area in South Carolina, United States, after cries coming from underground led to the shocking discovery.
The baby, identified as Koah Sharpe, was reported missing after being taken away by his father, Michael Comer, 25, on Monday, according to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.
About 100 police officers and firefighters were deployed to search for the child following his disappearance.
Comer’s alleged actions came to light after he was arrested on a burglary charge. However, Koah was not with him when he was taken into custody.
The baby was eventually discovered the following day in critical condition, having been buried inside a dog crate in a wooded area near his family home for almost 24 hours.
Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said Koah was receiving hospital treatment and expressed hope that he would make a full recovery.
He said the baby was believed to have survived because the box containing him had been wrapped in towels, allowing air to circulate and enabling him to breathe.
The cold weather at the time was also believed to have helped prevent the temperature inside the box from becoming excessively hot.
Initial investigations found that Comer had travelled to several locations without his son before he was arrested in Lexington County.
On Thursday, Comer was charged with attempted murder of his son, along with unlawful conduct towards a child and interference with custody.
A judge denied him bail, while his next court hearing has been scheduled for Dec 10.
