South Carolina Infant Rescued from Burial, Father Arrested

A dramatic rescue took place in Lexington, South Carolina, where 11-month-old Koah Sharp was found by rescuers after being buried alive in a dog crate for about 24 hours. The boy was discovered covered in dirt and crying but soon stopped as he was placed on the back of a truck, according to his grandfather, John Comer. Expressing a mix of relief and emotion, Comer recounted the moment of the infant’s rescue.

After being released from the hospital, Koah is expected to make a full recovery, as confirmed by Sheriff Jay Koon. The child’s father, Michael Comer, 25, has been charged with attempted murder. Before the incident, John Comer had allowed his son and grandson to stay at his home when Michael Comer had requested a place to stay.

Michael Comer has remained in custody after Koah’s disappearance. The authorities have not disclosed a motive. In October, Michael Comer received probation following a guilty plea for domestic violence.

“Children,” the sheriff stated, “sometimes get caught in the middle.”

Survival Was Helped By Cool Temperatures and a Towel

Dozens of first responders searched the area to find the boy with reddish-blond hair. Authorities located him after hearing his cries from below ground, near freshly disturbed soil. The sheriff mentioned that Koah’s survival was likely aided by cool temperatures and an air pocket created by a towel wrapped around the crate beneath the ground. Once freed, Koah was found clinging to life.

Michael Comer was arrested hiding in a building in Batesburg-Leesville. It is unclear if he has legal representation for the charges. A court hearing is planned. Koah’s great-aunt, Amber Hammond, witnessed the boy’s rescue and expressed relief about his safety.

The Boy’s Father Took Him Before a Caregiver Arrived

Koah was initially under the care of Michael Comer’s mother, who left him in his father’s care while running an errand. By the time another caregiver arrived, both Michael and Koah were gone. Surveillance footage showed Michael Comer without the infant around Monday afternoon.

John Comer feels taken advantage of by his son’s request for shelter. Nonetheless, he feels grateful for saying yes, as the outcome could have been different if they had chosen another location. He suspected the incident was premeditated, considering the developments.

A photo provided by the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office shows Michael Comer in custody. Hammond mentioned that her nephew had contemplated taking the child to New York, as he desired to be away from the child’s mother.

There was an assumption among family members that Michael Comer had given Koah to someone else. Hammond expressed that the family never anticipated such an event occurring.

Michael Comer had previously been sentenced to probation following a guilty plea for domestic violence and aggravated breach-of-peace charges. A gun charge was dropped as part of this plea deal, as per Lexington County online court records.

At nearly a year old, Koah is attempting to stand and enjoys watching Mickey Mouse cartoons. His grandfather noted that he had never heard Koah cry before this incident, describing him as a generally happy child.