Kentucky Babysitter Arrested for Murder of 11-Month-Old Found in Couch
Police allege the suspect attempted to stage a kidnapping and fabricate an alibi.
A 19-year-old babysitter has been arrested and charged with murder following the discovery of an 11-month-old boy's body hidden inside a couch in Cleaton, Kentucky. Authorities allege the babysitter, Elijah Mayes, staged a kidnapping and created a false alibi to cover up the infant's death.
Mayes was reportedly caring for Grayson Walton on September 12 while the child's father was at work. Police were called to the residence after the father reported his son missing. According to court documents, Mayes told investigators that a "family friend" had picked up Grayson the previous evening. However, law enforcement interviewed the alleged individual, who denied picking up the child. Investigators also learned that Grayson had last been seen with Mayes on September 11 at a different property in Cleaton.
The search for the infant led officers to a home in Cleaton, where they discovered Grayson's body concealed within a couch. Police stated the infant had sustained bruises and appeared to have teeth marks on his stomach. Grayson was just two weeks shy of his first birthday.
During an initial search of a home on Harrison Street, police reportedly discovered suspected methamphetamine, prompting a shift in the investigation to the Cleaton property where the baby was found.
Mayes faces multiple charges, including murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and possession of a controlled substance. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in jail pending court proceedings.
In connection with the case, Grayson's step-grandfather, Jeff Barnett, was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence. Barnett's listed address matches the Cleaton property where the baby's body was discovered.
Community members held a candlelight vigil to remember Grayson, urging others to keep his memory alive. His obituary described him as a happy child who loved playing with other children and was known for his friendly nature. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help fund funeral expenses and a headstone for Grayson.