A South Carolina father, Michael Comer, 25, is behind bars facing attempted murder charges after a disturbing discovery in Lexington County. Police allege he buried his 11-month-old son, Koah Sharp, alive inside a dog crate on November 9, 2026.
The Outcome Was Fortunate
According to the Associated Press, the child “reported missing near the state capital city of Columbia, was released from a hospital Tuesday night following a rescue and is expected to make a “full recovery,” Sheriff Jay Koon said.”
Investigators say Comer took the baby on November 9 when the grandmother stepped out to run an errand. Later, search teams found the infant in the woods near Comer’s father’s house.
A search began and according to Fits News, “the father was located and arrested on a burglary charge.” However, the child wasn’t with him, and that started a frantic search for the little boy.
The Arrest
Apart from burglary and resisting arrest, Michael Comer was hit with a string of charges following the rescue, including attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference, and a probation violation.
This isn’t Comer’s first clash with law enforcement officers. Last month, he pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence and aggravated breach of peace, walking away with a suspended sentence and 13 months of probation.
History Custody Disputes
Police haven’t released an official motive just yet, though investigators noted the parents had a history of custody disputes leading up to the incident.
Koah’s mom, 25-year-old Dezarae Sharp, holds full custody of the little boy. Even though she and Comer were separated, she agreed to let him have weekend visits once he quit drinking and started going to therapy.
However, the arrangement ended in horrifying circumstances. The Daily Mail reported that allegedly, Comer previously sent threats to Dezarae on social media.
The outlet cited the mom of Koah Sharpe as saying, “Michael did text me 2 days ago, I skimmed the message and the bottom said something about a dumpster baby.”
A Joyful Moment
Search crews found the little boy wrapped in a towel inside the crate, hidden under a shallow layer of dirt in the woods.
Speaking at a Tuesday press briefing, the sheriff described the moment they heard him, saying he was “crying the most joyful sound you ever heard of a crying baby.”
Crime Followers React
When crime influencer Nancy Grace reported on the story on YouTube, crime followers were able to weigh in with their thoughts.
One of them wrote, “Anyone that could do this to a helpless baby should forfeit their right to be on this planet.”
Here are a few more responses from the discussion:
- “I’m grateful they found this sweet beautiful baby alive. Praise the Lord!”
- “OMG!!!! Thank God they found the baby. There are so many of us that would love a beautiful baby. It’s a shame there are monsters in this world that don’t appreciate the gift of a baby.”
- “I’d gladly take that baby boy in & give him a loving and safe home. this world is so cruel. We’re supposed to keep our babies safe & protect them. It’s a blessing they found him alive.”
Next Court Appearance
Michael Comer hasn’t entered a plea on the attempted murder or other charges just yet. He’s slated to make his first court appearance for a bond hearing in Lexington County today, Thursday, November 12.
Your thoughts? Join the discussion and then come back for all your true crime news and updates. You can also follow our crime channel on TikTok.