An 11-month-old boy who was allegedly buried alive inside a dog crate by his father in South Carolina has been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, according to ABC News.
Koah Sharpe was found alive Tuesday after spending approximately 24 hours buried beneath dirt in a wooded area near Batesburg-Leesville, according to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon. The baby had been wrapped in a towel and placed inside the crate, which investigators believe helped create an air pocket that allowed him to survive.
Authorities said the search began Monday after Koah disappeared while in the care of his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer. The baby’s mother had left him with Comer while she ran an errand, and another caregiver was expected to arrive. When that person reached the home, both the father and child were gone.
Deputies located Comer later Monday night at an outbuilding in Batesburg-Leesville, but the baby was missing. More than 100 law enforcement officers and emergency personnel joined the search.
On Tuesday, search teams spotted freshly disturbed ground in a wooded area near Comer’s father’s home. As they began digging, they heard Koah crying beneath the dirt and rushed to pull him out.
The infant was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. He was released Tuesday night and placed in the care of family members, according to ABC News.
Comer was arrested and now faces charges of attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child and custodial interference. He was initially taken into custody on a burglary charge.
The investigation involved the FBI, ATF, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and several local police and emergency agencies.