Additional Coverage:
- Teen babysitter’s story unravels after 11-month-old found dead in couch with bite marks (themirror.com)
A 19-year-old babysitter in Kentucky now faces multiple serious charges, including murder, following the tragic death of an 11-month-old infant entrusted to his care. The incident unfolded in Muhlenberg County, where authorities discovered the baby’s body after he went missing under the teenager’s supervision.
Elijah Mayes had been watching Grayson Walton while the child’s father was at work. Concern grew when Mayes failed to return the baby, prompting the father to alert police. Officers arrived at a Harrison Avenue residence on September 12 in response to a disturbance report and spoke with Grayson’s father, who confirmed Mayes was responsible for the child’s care.
When questioned, Mayes claimed that a family friend had picked up Grayson late the night before. However, the identified individual denied any involvement, contradicting Mayes’s account. A search of the home revealed suspected methamphetamine in a bedroom linked to Mayes, leading to his immediate arrest on drug-related charges.
Further investigation led law enforcement to a property on Hillview Street in Cleaton, where Mayes was last seen with Grayson. A search warrant executed there uncovered the heartbreaking discovery of the infant’s body concealed inside a couch. According to court documents, the child was found with bruises and what appeared to be teeth marks on his abdomen.
In a troubling attempt to mislead investigators, Mayes provided text messages purportedly between himself and the person who took Grayson. Authorities allege these messages were fabricated using a fake phone number to create a false alibi.
Mayes currently remains in custody at the Muhlenberg County Detention Center and faces charges including murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and first-degree possession of a controlled substance.
The Central City Police Department extended condolences to the family and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of 15 agencies, including state police and the FBI, in the ongoing investigation. They emphasized that more information will be shared as the case progresses.
Additionally, Grayson’s step-grandfather has been arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence, further intensifying the case. The community remains deeply shaken by this tragic event as authorities continue their work to bring answers and justice.