Kentucky Babysitter Charged with Murder After Baby Found in Couch
Authorities allege 19-year-old Elijah Mayes fatally abused an 11-month-old boy and attempted to conceal the crime.
A 19-year-old babysitter has been arrested and charged with murder in Kentucky after the 11-month-old boy in his care was found dead and stuffed inside a couch, according to authorities.
Elijah Mayes was taken into custody on September 13 after the father of 11-month-old Grayson Walton returned home from work to find the baby missing. Police were called to the residence in Cleaton, Kentucky, around 5 p.m. after the father reported that the child, left in Mayes' care, could not be found.
A subsequent search of the home uncovered Grayson Walton's body concealed within a couch. Authorities reported that the infant had sustained extensive injuries, including bruising and apparent teeth marks on his stomach.
Investigators allege that Mayes attempted to create a false alibi for the child's disappearance. He reportedly told police that a family friend had picked up the baby. Mayes is accused of fabricating text messages to support this claim. However, when interviewed, the alleged friend denied taking the child.
Police further contend that Mayes created a fake phone number and texted himself to construct this fabricated narrative and conceal his actions.
Neighbors reported seeing Mayes with the infant at another location the night before the baby's body was discovered. During the search of the residence, police also reported finding a quantity of methamphetamine they allege belonged to Mayes.
Mayes has been charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, criminal abuse, and possession of a controlled substance. The infant was just two weeks shy of his first birthday at the time of his death.
Grayson Walton's step-grandfather was also arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence. The specific reasons for his arrest were not immediately clear.
A vigil was held for Grayson Walton, with community members expressing their grief and solidarity. Jennifer Banks, a member of the Cleaton community, told WBKO that residents are devastated and that the small community feels the loss as one.
