South Carolina Father Charged With Attempted Murder After Burying Infant Alive
An eleven-month-old boy survived being buried in a dog crate for nearly twenty-four hours.
1Infant Survives Burial Ordeal
An eleven-month-old infant named Koah Sharp was rescued after being buried alive in a dog crate for nearly twenty-four hours near Columbia, South Carolina. Police Chief Jay Koon confirmed the child was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday night and is expected to make a full recovery following the harrowing ordeal.
2Father Faces Serious Charges
Michael Comer, the twenty-five-year-old father of the infant, has been charged with attempted murder and other related crimes. He was apprehended while hiding in a building in Batesburg-Leesville on Monday. Comer remains in custody and is scheduled to appear for a court hearing this Thursday to address the pending criminal charges.
3Rescue Operation Details
Nearly one hundred first responders participated in the desperate search for the missing child. Authorities discovered freshly turned soil in a forest near the grandfather's home and heard the baby crying from underground. Chief Koon described the rescue as a race against time, noting the child was found clinging to life.
4Survival Factors Explained
The infant survived the burial due to cool temperatures and a pocket of air created by a towel wrapped around the dog crate. Chief Koon noted that the child was screaming loudly when found, which was considered a positive sign of his health despite the extreme conditions he endured while trapped underground.
5Sequence of Disappearance
The incident occurred when the child was left in Comer's care while the grandmother ran an errand. When the designated caregiver arrived, both the father and the baby were gone. Surveillance footage from local businesses captured Comer alone on Monday afternoon, confirming he had already separated from the infant before his arrest.
6Previous Criminal History
Court records indicate Comer was sentenced to probation last October after pleading guilty to domestic violence and aggravated breach of peace charges from a July arrest. Prosecutors had dropped a weapons charge as part of that plea agreement, and he was credited for time already served in prison before his recent release.
7Family Context and Motive
Authorities have not disclosed a specific motive for the crime. The child's great-aunt, Amber Hammond, stated that Comer had previously mentioned taking the baby to New York to avoid being in the same state as the mother. Family members were unaware of the danger until the child was reported missing on Monday.
8Ongoing Legal Implications
The case highlights the severe consequences of domestic disputes involving children. While the victim is now safe, the legal proceedings will focus on the attempted murder charges against Comer. It remains unknown if the defendant has secured legal counsel to represent him during the upcoming judicial hearing scheduled for this week.