Father charged with attempted murder after baby survives being buried in crate

The father of an 11-month-old boy found alive after having been buried in a dog crate has been charged with attempted murder and other counts, authorities said Wednesday. The baby, Koah Sharp, was taken by his father, Michael Comer, 25, on Monday, and he was dug out of the ground Tuesday afternoon, the sheriff of Lexington County, South Carolina, alleged. The baby is expected to make a full recovery. He is believed to have been buried in the wire crate, which was wrapped in a towel for around 24 hours, Sheriff Brayn “Jay” Koon said. The towel most likely created an air pocket that allowed Koah to breathe, and cool weather may have also helped him survive, Koon said.

Comer, who was arrested on a burglary charge after he was found in an outbuilding Monday night, is charged with attempted murder, unlawful conduct toward a child, custodial interference and burglary, the sheriff’s office said Wednesday. Searchers investigating a patch of disturbed earth near a home owned by Comer’s father heard the baby’s cries and quickly unearthed him, Koon said. Koah was released from the hospital Tuesday, the sheriff’s office said, and he is with family members. Koah was reported missing early Monday afternoon, authorities said. The report set off a search that included the FBI; firefighters; the federal Bureau of