A Kentucky teenager was arrested on murder and abuse charges after an 11-month-old baby was found dead, police said.
Elijah Mayes, 19, of Central City, was taken into custody on Saturday, September 12, according to the Central City Police Department.
Mayes is charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and possession of a controlled substance involving methamphetamine, the department said.
Officers first responded around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday to a reported disturbance at a Central City residence, according to police.
At the home, officers met with the father of 11-month-old Grayson Walton, police said.
The father told officers that the child “was supposed to be in the care of Elijah Mayes while he was at work,” according to police.
The department also identified the victim as the 19-year-old suspect’s son, police said.
Mayes, who was at the scene, reportedly told officers that a family friend had picked up the baby around 10 p.m. on Friday, September 11.
Officers subsequently located and interviewed the family friend. When questioned, she stated that she never picked up Grayson, authorities claimed.
Another family member allegedly told police that they had last seen the infant with Mayes at a different Central City residence.
Investigators first executed a search warrant at the residence where the disturbance was reported, according to police.
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Officers discovered methamphetamine inside that residence, police said. They also searched an automobile parked outside the property.
Investigators later executed an additional search warrant at the second residence where the family member reported seeing Mayes and Grayson, according to police.
That search resulted in the discovery of Grayson’s body inside the home, police said.
Authorities have not specified how the child died, police said. Investigators have also not disclosed a potential motive for the alleged killing.
Several agencies took part in the investigation into what happened to Grayson, including the Kentucky State Police and the FBI, according to the department.
“The Central City Police Department extends its condolences to Grayson’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” the agency said in a statement.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” police said in a Monday, September 14, news release. “Additional information will be released when appropriate and as the investigation allows.”
Central City is situated approximately 125 miles driving distance southwest from Louisville.
Anyone experiencing child abuse can call or text the Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Mayes was ultimately booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center following his arrest, according to police.
It was not immediately clear whether the accused had retained legal representation or entered a plea.
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