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- calendar_today November 12, 2026
Infant Found Buried Alive in South Carolina
Authorities in Lexington, South Carolina, have charged a father with attempted murder after his 11-month-old son, Koah Sharp, was found buried alive in a dog crate in a wooded area. The dramatic rescue occurred approximately 24 hours after the boy went missing, with first responders locating him crying and covered in dirt.
Rescue Operation and Family Response
John Comer, the child’s grandfather, described the moment rescuers pulled Koah from the ground on his neighbor’s property. "I became ecstatic, my hands straight in the air. I’m looking in the sky, jumping up and down, praising God," Comer said, recalling his reaction as Koah was freed and sat up on the back of a truck. He added that he dropped to his knees and cried out of relief.
Koah was immediately hospitalized but released the following night and is expected to make a full recovery, according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. A towel wrapped around the crate and cool weather may have created an air pocket, which helped the boy survive his ordeal.
Father in Custody; Attempted Murder Charge Filed
The boy’s father, Michael Comer, 25, has been in custody since Monday, the day Koah disappeared. Authorities soon charged him with attempted murder. Michael Comer was apprehended while hiding in a building in Batesburg-Leesville. Officials have not commented on a possible motive, and it was not immediately known if Comer had obtained legal counsel. His court hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Records show Comer was sentenced to probation in October after pleading guilty to domestic violence and aggravated breach of peace related to an earlier arrest in July. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped a gun charge, and Comer received credit for time already served in jail.
Investigation and Emergency Response
The emergency search began when Koah’s grandmother left him in Michael Comer’s care while she ran an errand, anticipating another caregiver’s arrival. "By the time the caregiver got there, Michael was gone, and Koah was gone with him," said Sheriff Koon. After reviewing local surveillance video showing Comer without the baby by Monday afternoon, law enforcement launched a major search operation. Eventually, officers found an area of disturbed soil and heard cries from beneath the ground, prompting a race to free the infant from the buried crate.
The sheriff emphasized the urgency: "As you can imagine, the race was on. Everyone was trying to get him out." Koah was described as "clinging to life" when located, but the search’s swift conclusion likely proved critical to his survival.
Family Circumstances and Community Impact
Sheriff Koon stated that Koah’s parents "have had some situations," noting, "Children sometimes get caught in the middle." Koah’s great-aunt, Amber Hammond, was present at the rescue and said the family is "better now that we know that Koah is safe." She also recounted that Michael Comer had previously mentioned wanting to take Koah out of state, but no one imagined he would harm the child. Both she and John Comer expressed their shock at the incident, with the grandfather reflecting that if he had not agreed to take them in, Koah might not have been found in time.
Outlook for Koah Sharp
Family members report that Koah is learning to stand on his own and has a cheerful disposition, enjoying Mickey Mouse cartoons. John Comer said that before the ordeal, "He's always been happy. The kid's always got a smile on his face." As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring Koah's well-being and safety as he recovers from the traumatic incident.
Related coverage
Source: abcnews.com.
