A 19-year-old babysitter has been arrested and charged with murder after an 11-month-old Kentucky boy, who disappeared while in his care, was found dead inside a couch, according to police and court records.
Elijah Mayes had been looking after Grayson Walton while the infant’s father was at work when the child went missing, investigators said.
Police allege that Mayes later fabricated an account of what happened to the baby, including creating a fake phone number and exchanging messages with himself while posing as a woman he claimed had come to collect Grayson.
Investigators believe the alleged exchange was intended to create a false alibi and support Mayes’ account of the child’s disappearance.
The search for Grayson ended when officers discovered his body concealed inside a couch at a residence in Cleaton, Kentucky, according to court records obtained by local media.
Police said the infant had multiple bruises and appeared to have teeth marks on his stomach. Grayson was found dead just two weeks before his first birthday.
The investigation began shortly after 5pm on September 12, when officers with the Central City Police Department responded to a residence following a report concerning the missing child.
Grayson’s father told investigators that he had been looking for his son and that Mayes, 19, had been responsible for caring for the baby while he was at work.
During questioning, Mayes allegedly claimed that a ‘family friend’ had collected Grayson at approximately 10pm on September 11.
Police subsequently located the woman and questioned her about the claim. Her account reportedly contradicted Mayes’ version of events.
Officers ‘located and interviewed that individual, who stated that she had not picked up the child,’ Central City police said.
Investigators also interviewed a relative of Grayson, who reportedly told them the baby had last been seen with Mayes on September 11 at another residence in Cleaton.
Police first searched the Harrison Street property, where they allegedly found a substance they believed to be methamphetamine.
The investigation then moved to the Cleaton residence. After obtaining an additional search warrant, officers entered the property and discovered the missing infant’s body.
Court records state that Grayson’s remains had been hidden inside a couch, according to Fox 56.
Mayes was subsequently taken into custody and charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and possession of a controlled substance.
He pleaded not guilty last Thursday and remains in custody at the Muhlenberg County Detention Center. His case is continuing through the court system, with another court appearance scheduled for Wednesday.
The investigation has also resulted in a separate arrest.
Grayson’s step-grandfather, Jeff Barnett, was charged with tampering with physical evidence following Mayes’ arrest. His listed address is the same Cleaton residence where investigators discovered the baby’s body.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific circumstances that led to Barnett being accused of tampering with physical evidence.
On Thursday evening, residents gathered for a candlelight vigil honoring Grayson, with organizers seeking to ensure the infant would be remembered for his life rather than solely for the circumstances surrounding his death.
Vigil organizer Georgina Sailing said she wanted ‘justice is served’ for Grayson and his grieving family.
‘We’re getting his name out there,’ Sailing told WBKO. ‘My whole thing is, speak his name. Don’t let him be forgotten.’
Grayson’s obituary remembered him as a cheerful child who enjoyed being around others.
‘He loved the water. He was always happy — he loved playing with other kids,’ his obituary reads. ‘He never met a stranger.’
A GoFundMe campaign has also been established to help cover the costs of Grayson’s funeral and a headstone.
