Charges Released Against Suspect in Case of 11-Month-Old Baby Found Alive After Being Buried Underground in Lexington County

Lexington, SC 11/11/2026 - An 11-month-old baby was found alive Tuesday after allegedly being buried underground inside a crate by his father, bringing an end to an extensive search involving more than 100 law enforcement and public safety personnel.

The child, identified as Koah Sharp, survived approximately 24 hours underground before search crews located him in a wooded area near his grandfather’s home in Batesburg-Leesville.

According to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, 25-year-old Michael Comer was arrested Monday night and faces charges of attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary.

Investigators said Koah had been in the care of Comer’s mother. She left the child with Comer while she ran an errand, believing another caregiver would soon arrive.

“When the caregiver got there, Comer was gone and Koah was with him,” Sheriff Koon said.

Deputies were called around lunchtime Monday and responded to a residence on Parthenon Road in Batesburg-Leesville, belonging to Comer’s father. When officers arrived, both doors were open, the house was empty and baby items were found inside.

Investigators later located security footage showing Comer in Batesburg-Leesville, but the child was not with him.

Comer was eventually located Monday night hiding inside an outbuilding in Batesburg-Leesville. His discovery led to the initial burglary charge. However, Koah was still missing.

As the search continued, more than 100 law enforcement officers and public safety personnel joined the effort to locate the infant.

Agencies assisting in the search included the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), FBI Columbia, ATF Columbia, Cayce Police Department, West Columbia Police Department, Batesburg-Leesville Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff's Department, Lexington County Fire Service, Lexington County EMS, Lexington County Communications Center, Batesburg-Leesville Fire Department and Lexington County Emergency Management.

According to Sheriff Koon, search crews eventually discovered freshly disturbed ground not far from Comer’s father's residence.

As officers began searching the area, they heard a baby crying beneath the ground.

The discovery immediately turned into a race to rescue the infant.

“As you can imagine, the race was on. Everyone was trying to get him out,” Koon said.

Once Koah was freed, he was immediately placed in the care of emergency medical personnel and transported to a hospital for treatment.

In an encouraging update, Sheriff Koon confirmed that Koah was released from the hospital Tuesday night. The baby is now staying with family members.

According to information provided to investigators by Koah’s medical team, the child is expected to make a full recovery.

The successful rescue brought relief after an intense search that involved multiple local, state and federal agencies working together to find the missing infant.

The investigation remains a serious criminal matter, with Comer facing multiple charges related to the incident.

The Lexington Ledger will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.