Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Nov 11

South Carolina Rescuers Find 11-Month-Old Alive After 24 Hours Buried in Dog Crate

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Nov 11

South Carolina Rescuers Find 11-Month-Old Alive After 24 Hours Buried in Dog Crate

Q: What critical clue led deputies to the exact patch of dirt where the infant was trapped?

Deputies were led to the spot by **freshly disturbed dirt and pine straw** in the woods near the father’s relatives’ home, about 50 yards in. That unusual patch stood out during the search and prompted investigators to focus on it. Once they began probing and digging there, they **heard the baby crying**, which confirmed they had found the right place. Authorities then uncovered the dog crate in which the infant had been buried.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Nov 11

Lexington County deputies pulled 11-month-old Koah Sharpe from a 2-by-2-foot dog crate in the woods Tuesday after he had been buried alive for about 24 hours, authorities said.
Investigators found the site near the father's family home after arresting Michael A. Comer, 25, on burglary charges Monday night and pressing him about the missing child.
Sheriff Jay Koon said deputies heard Koah crying as they dug through freshly disturbed dirt and pine straw; the baby was hospitalized and the sheriff said he hoped for a full recovery.
Authorities believe a towel wrapped around the crate created an air pocket, and cold weather may also have helped Koah survive.
Comer had disappeared with the baby Monday, triggering a search involving county and state officers and the FBI; additional charges were being prepared Tuesday.