BABY GRAYSON WAS ONLY 11 MONTHS OLD — THEN POLICE FOUND HIM DEAD AFTER A DESPERATE SEARCH

The Kentucky baby was reportedly in the care of a 19-year-old while his father was at work. Hours after he was reported missing, investigators found Grayson Walton inside a Cleaton home — and the man who was supposed to be caring for him now faces a murder charge.

A Kentucky community is mourning the devastating loss of 11-month-old Grayson Walton, after a search for the missing baby ended with investigators finding him dead inside a home in Cleaton.

The child’s father told police that Grayson was supposed to be in the care of 19-year-old Elijah Mayes while he was at work.

What happened next remains under investigation.

THE SEARCH BEGAN SATURDAY

According to Central City police, officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. on September 12.

There, officers spoke with Grayson’s father, who said his 11-month-old son had been left with Mayes while he was working.

During an interview, Mayes reportedly told investigators that a family friend had picked up Grayson at around 10 p.m. Friday night.

Police then located and interviewed that woman.

She told investigators that she had not picked up the baby.

A relative also told police that Grayson had last been seen with Mayes on Friday at a residence in the 300 block of Hillview Street in Cleaton.

That information became a critical part of the search.

POLICE SEARCHED TWO LOCATIONS

Investigators obtained search warrants for properties connected to the investigation.

At the Harrison Avenue residence, officers reportedly found suspected methamphetamine.

Investigators then obtained a second search warrant for the Hillview Street residence and a vehicle.

It was there that police made the discovery the family had been desperately hoping would never come.

Grayson was found deceased inside the home.

Authorities have not released a cause or manner of death.

The investigation remains active.

19-YEAR-OLD NOW FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES

Mayes, 19, of Central City, was arrested and taken to the Muhlenberg County Detention Center.

He faces charges including:

• Murder
• First-degree criminal abuse
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Abuse of a corpse
• First-degree possession of a controlled substance involving methamphetamine

According to WBKO, Mayes is being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.

The charges are allegations, and Mayes has not been convicted.

“THE END GOAL” WAS TO FIND GRAYSON ALIVE

Central City Police Chief Jason Lindsey said investigators initially did not know whether the baby was inside a residence or somewhere outside.

That uncertainty made the search especially urgent.

Authorities worked with multiple agencies, including the FBI, Kentucky State Police and other local emergency and law-enforcement agencies.

Chief Lindsey said the priority throughout the search was finding Grayson alive.

But the search ended in tragedy.

A FAMILY LEFT WITH QUESTIONS

The circumstances surrounding Grayson’s final hours remain unclear.

Police have not publicly disclosed how the baby died or what may have happened inside the Hillview Street residence.

Loved ones have also urged people not to speculate about the case on social media while investigators continue gathering evidence.

For Grayson’s family, however, the most painful fact is already known.

Their 11-month-old baby is gone.

And instead of bringing him home, the search ended with investigators carrying him out of the place where they had hoped he might still be found alive.

The Central City Police Department has expressed its condolences to Grayson’s family and loved ones, saying the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information will be released when appropriate.

Grayson Walton was only 11 months old. His family was hoping for his safe return. Instead, they are now waiting for answers about what happened to their baby.