BABY GRAYSON WALTON, 11 MONTHS — NEW DETAILS EMERGE AS SECOND MAN ARRESTED AS INVESTIGATION DEEPENS

New details have emerged in the case of 11-month-old Grayson Walton, whose disappearance in Kentucky ended with the discovery of his body inside a home — as a second man has now been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Grayson was reported missing in Muhlenberg County after his father left him in the care of 19-year-old Elijah Mayes while he went to work.

Mayes, of Central City, has since been arrested and charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and possession of methamphetamine.

A second man, Jeff Barnett, has also been arrested. Barnett is Grayson’s step-grandfather and lives at the Hillview Street home where police say the infant was found. He faces a charge of tampering with physical evidence.

THE BABY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN A BABYSITTER’S CARE

According to police, Grayson’s father told officers that his son was supposed to be staying with Mayes while he was at work.

When investigators later questioned Mayes about the baby’s whereabouts, he allegedly claimed that a family friend had picked Grayson up.

Police contacted the woman Mayes identified.

She told investigators that she had not picked up the baby, according to authorities.

That discrepancy became part of the investigation into what had happened to Grayson.

Authorities eventually obtained search warrants for properties connected to the investigation.

THE HEARTBREAKING DISCOVERY

During a search of the Hillview Street home in Cleaton, investigators discovered Grayson’s body inside a couch, according to a criminal citation reported by local media.

The latest court documents also describe visible injuries on the infant.

Because Grayson was only 11 months old, authorities have released limited information about the circumstances surrounding his death while the investigation continues.

The discovery shocked the small Cleaton community, where residents had joined efforts to locate the missing child.

POLICE SAY A FAKE ALIBI WAS CREATED

Investigators have also accused Mayes of attempting to create a false explanation for Grayson’s disappearance.

According to the criminal citation, police say Mayes created a fake phone number and sent messages to himself while pretending to be the person he had claimed received the baby.

The allegation is now part of the criminal case against him.

Mayes faces multiple charges and remains accused rather than convicted. He appeared in court Thursday and pleaded not guilty, according to local reporting.

SECOND ARREST

Jeff Barnett was arrested separately on a warrant at a gas station in Graham, Kentucky.

His address is listed as the same Hillview Street property where investigators found Grayson’s body.

Police have identified Barnett as Grayson’s step-grandfather. His current charge is tampering with physical evidence, not murder.

The precise evidence underlying that charge has not been fully made public.

A COMMUNITY MOURNS GRAYSON

As the investigation continued, residents gathered for a candlelight vigil in Cleaton to remember the little boy.

Family members, friends and community members carried candles and prayed for Grayson, with organizers saying they wanted his name to be remembered.

One organizer said the community intended to continue attending court proceedings and supporting Grayson’s family.

A separate prayer service was also held at Christ of Calvary Church, with residents walking together afterward in memory of Grayson and in support of those involved in the search.

“HE NEVER MET A STRANGER”

Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Grayson’s family has remembered him as a happy baby who loved people and brought joy to those around him.

His obituary described him as a child who “never met a stranger” and said he loved the water, Mrs. Rachel and playing with other children.

A fundraiser has also been established to help the family with funeral expenses and other costs following the tragedy.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Mayes remains in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond, according to local reporting.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 23, 2026.

Barnett also remains in custody in connection with the evidence-tampering charge.

Police have not said that the investigation is complete, and additional details could emerge as court proceedings continue.

For the people of Cleaton, the case has left a small community grieving an 11-month-old boy whose life ended before he could even reach his first birthday.

And as candles continue to burn in his memory, Grayson’s family and neighbors are waiting for answers about what happened to the little boy they were desperately trying to bring home.