Father charged with attempted murder after baby survives being buried in crate

11-month-old baby found safe after being buried alive02:46Get more newsonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleNov. 11, 2026, 6:36 PM ESTBy Phil HelselThe father of an 11-month-old boy found alive after having been buried in a dog crate has been charged with attempted murder and other counts, authorities said Wednesday.

The baby, Koah Sharp, was taken by his father, Michael Comer, 25, on Monday, and he was dug out of the ground Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff of Lexington County, South Carolina, alleged.

Lexington County, S.C., Sheriff Brayn “Jay” Koon.WISThe baby is expected to make a full recovery. He is believed to have been buried in the wire crate, which was wrapped in a towel for around 24 hours, Sheriff Brayn “Jay” Koon said.

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Comer, who was arrested on a burglary charge after he was found in an outbuilding Monday night, is charged with attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary, the sheriff’s office said Wednesday.

Lexington County Mobile Command in the search for a missing 11-month-old infant in South Carolina.WISSearchers investigating a patch of disturbed earth near a home owned by Comer’s father heard the baby’s cries and quickly unearthed him, Koon said.

Koah was released from the hospital Tuesday, the sheriff’s office said, and he is with family members.

Koah was reported missing early Monday afternoon, authorities said. The report set off a search that included the FBI; firefighters; the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and local law enforcement agencies.

A sheriff's vehicle in the search for the missing infant.WISComer was in custody Wednesday, jail records showed. It was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf.

Koah’s mother has custody of the child, Comer’s mother has said. Koah’s mother told a sheriff’s deputy that she allowed Comer to briefly have the child but expected that to last only a day or two, according to a police report.

She told the deputy that Comer had threatened her over Facebook Messenger that he would keep Koah, according to the police report.

Phil HelselPhil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.