NEW DETAILS EMERGE IN DEATH OF 11-MONTH-OLD GRAYSON WALTON AS SECOND ARREST IS MADE

CLEATON, Ky. — New details have emerged in the investigation into the death of 11-month-old Grayson Walton, whose body was discovered inside a couch in a Kentucky home days after his father left him in the care of a 19-year-old babysitter.

Authorities have now made a second arrest in connection with the case, while newly released court documents provide additional details about the investigation.

Grayson’s death has devastated his family and shaken the small community of Cleaton, Kentucky.

BABY WAS LEFT IN THE CARE OF A 19-YEAR-OLD

According to police, Grayson’s father left the infant in the care of Elijah Mayes, 19, while he went to work.

Authorities said Mayes later told investigators that a family friend had picked Grayson up at around 10 p.m. on September 11.

But investigators contacted the woman Mayes identified.

She told police that she had never picked up the child.

A relative also told authorities that Mayes had been seen with Grayson on September 11.

The conflicting accounts prompted investigators to begin searching locations connected to the teenager.

GRAYSON’S BODY DISCOVERED INSIDE A COUCH

Police eventually searched a home on Hillview Street in Cleaton, which investigators said was connected to Mayes.

It was there that authorities made the devastating discovery.

Grayson’s body was found inside a couch, according to police and court documents reported by local media.

Newly released documents state that investigators observed bruising on the baby’s body and what appeared to be teeth marks.

Authorities have not announced a final determination regarding the cause and manner of Grayson’s death.

The case remains under investigation.

POLICE SAY MAYES CREATED A FALSE ALIBI

Investigators also allege that Mayes attempted to support his account by creating a fake phone number and sending messages to himself while pretending to be the person he claimed had picked up Grayson.

Police say the alleged messages were part of an attempt to make his story appear credible.

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

He is being held at the Muhlenberg County Detention Center on a reported $1 million cash-only bond.

The allegations against Mayes have not been proven in court.

SECOND ARREST IN THE CASE

The investigation took another turn when Jeff Barnett, identified by police as Grayson’s step-grandfather and a relative of Mayes, was arrested.

Barnett faces a charge of tampering with physical evidence.

According to his citation, Barnett had an outstanding warrant and was arrested at a gas station in Graham, approximately 14 miles from Cleaton.

His listed address is the same Hillview Street residence where investigators say Grayson’s body was found.

Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific evidence underlying the charge against Barnett.

THE SEARCH THAT ENDED IN TRAGEDY

The investigation began after police responded to a reported disturbance at a home on Harrison Avenue in Cleaton on September 12.

Officers spoke with Grayson’s father, who told them the baby was supposed to be with Mayes while he was at work.

Mayes initially claimed that another person had taken the child.

Police later determined that the person he identified denied ever picking up Grayson.

Investigators obtained search warrants for multiple locations.

During one search, authorities reported finding suspected methamphetamine. A subsequent search of the Hillview Street residence led investigators to Grayson’s body.

A FAMILY MOURNS A BABY REMEMBERED AS HAPPY

Grayson’s family had spent days hoping for his safe return.

After his body was found, relatives thanked first responders and members of the community who helped search for the child and shared information.

His obituary described Grayson as a happy baby who loved the water, enjoyed playing with other children and was known for being friendly.

Funeral services for the 11-month-old were held Thursday.

His family has also established a fundraiser to help with funeral expenses and other costs following his death.

INVESTIGATION REMAINS ACTIVE

Mayes appeared in court Thursday. Following the hearing, documents related to a search warrant were ordered sealed until March 17, 2027, according to The Sun’s report.

Authorities have not released all of the evidence gathered during the investigation, and additional details could emerge as the case moves forward.

Barnett’s case and the charges against Mayes remain pending.

For now, investigators continue working to establish exactly what happened to Grayson Walton in the final hours of his life.

The 11-month-old’s death has left his family and a small Kentucky community mourning a child whose life ended before he had the chance to grow up.

The investigation remains ongoing, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.