Baby Boy, 11 Months, Rescued After Allegedly Being Buried Alive in Dog Crate as Father Faces Attempted Murder Charge — and Is Reportedly Expecting Another Child

An 11-month-old boy is recovering after authorities say he was buried alive inside a dog crate in the woods of South Carolina and left underground for approximately 24 hours. The terrifying incident triggered an extensive search involving more than 100 law enforcement officers and emergency personnel. Meanwhile, the child’s father is facing an attempted murder charge, and the boy’s mother is reportedly pregnant and hospitalized as the family tries to recover from the ordeal.

The child, Koah Sharp, was reported missing on November 9 after his grandmother, Patricia Comer, left him in the care of his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer. When Patricia could no longer reach her son, she became alarmed and contacted authorities.

According to a 911 call, Patricia said Michael had gathered clothes and left with the baby despite not having custody. She also told the dispatcher that he had previously talked about going to New York and had expressed suicidal thoughts the night before.

Investigators quickly began searching for both Michael and Koah. Surveillance footage showed Michael traveling around the area, but authorities were unable to locate the infant with him.

Deputies eventually found Michael hiding inside an outbuilding on the evening of November 9, approximately 20 miles outside Lexington. He was arrested on initial charges of burglary and resisting arrest. However, the baby was nowhere to be found.

Despite being in custody, Michael reportedly did not tell investigators where Koah was. Sheriff Jay Koon later described the difficulty of the search, explaining that authorities were desperately trying to locate a missing infant without knowing whether he was safe or even alive.

The search expanded dramatically the following day. More than 100 personnel from over a dozen agencies joined the operation, examining properties and surrounding wooded areas.

Then, at approximately 2 p.m. on November 10, searchers noticed freshly disturbed soil and pine straw near the home of Michael’s father in the Batesburg-Leesville area.

As rescuers began digging, they heard something that changed the entire operation: a baby crying beneath the ground.

Investigators discovered Koah inside a dog crate that had been buried roughly a foot underground. The crate had reportedly been wrapped in a towel and covered with dirt. Rescuers immediately pulled the child out and handed him to emergency medical personnel.

Sheriff Koon said the towel may have created an air pocket that helped the baby survive. Cold nighttime temperatures may also have played a role in keeping him alive.

Koah was rushed to a hospital, where he received medical attention. Remarkably, he was released just hours later on November 10. Authorities said he was expected to make a full recovery.

His grandfather, John Comer, later described the emotional moment he learned his grandson had been found. He said Koah was crying and covered in dirt when rescuers brought him out. When the baby was placed on the back of a truck and sat up, his grandfather was overwhelmed with relief.

Michael Comer now faces several serious charges, including attempted murder, child neglect, unlawful conduct toward a child, burglary and offenses related to violating probation and interfering with a custody proceeding. A judge denied him bond at his initial hearing, and he remains in custody. His next court hearing was scheduled for December.

The case has also brought attention to the difficult circumstances surrounding Koah’s family. According to local reporting, the child’s mother, Dezerah Sharp, is pregnant with another child and was reportedly sick and hospitalized while the family was dealing with the aftermath of the rescue.

A fundraising campaign was created to help Sharp and her family with medical expenses, transportation, lodging, food and other unexpected costs. The fundraiser’s organizer said Sharp was pregnant and unwell, while the family was trying to cope with the trauma of what happened to Koah.

Investigators have also been examining the events leading up to the disappearance. In a separate interview with local media, Koah’s mother reportedly described arguments with Michael involving her social media accounts. She alleged that he had threatened to keep the child during their disagreements. Authorities have not publicly established a final motive for the alleged attack.

For Koah’s relatives, the outcome could have been unimaginably different. The infant spent nearly a full day trapped beneath the ground, while hundreds of questions remained unanswered about his whereabouts.

The discovery of the freshly disturbed earth, followed by the sound of a baby crying underground, ultimately led rescuers to him in time.

As the criminal case moves forward, Koah’s family is focused on his recovery and rebuilding their lives after an incident that has shaken the community. For now, the most important news is that the little boy survived.