Koah Sharpe Missing Baby Case: 11-Month-Old Found Alive in Buried Dog Crate After Extensive South Carolina Search
An urgent search for a missing 11-month-old boy in Lexington County, South Carolina, ended in an extraordinary rescue on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, after authorities found the child alive inside a buried dog crate in a wooded area near Batesburg-Leesville. The infant, identified as Koah Sharpe, had been missing since Monday, November 9, after authorities said he was taken by his father, 25-year-old Michael Comer.
According to Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, Koah had been in the care of his paternal grandmother while another caregiver was expected to arrive. When the caregiver arrived, both Comer and the child were gone. Family members subsequently reported the infant missing, prompting an extensive search involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
The search continued for more than 24 hours. Investigators eventually noticed freshly disturbed soil and pine straw in a wooded area near the home of Comer’s father, approximately 50 yards into the woods.
As search teams began digging, they heard a baby crying beneath the soil. Rescuers then discovered Koah inside a wire dog crate wrapped in a towel and covered with dirt.
Sheriff Koon said investigators believed the child had been buried for approximately 24 hours. He explained that the towel may have helped create an air pocket inside the crate, allowing the infant to survive.
Koah was immediately freed and transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Authorities expressed hope that he would make a full recovery, although his condition was not fully disclosed in the initial reports.
Comer was arrested Monday night after being found in an outbuilding in Batesburg. He was initially arrested on burglary and resisting-arrest charges. Koah was not with him at the time. Sheriff Koon said investigators were working with prosecutors to determine whether additional charges would be filed.
Authorities have not established a motive for the incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The rescue brought relief after an extensive search that involved nearly 100 public safety personnel. Sheriff Koon described hearing the infant’s cries as a joyful moment for everyone involved in the operation.
As Koah receives medical care, thoughts remain with him and his loved ones during this difficult time. The case has also drawn attention to the efforts of the emergency responders whose search led to his discovery.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
