NEW DETAILS EMERGE AFTER 11-MONTH-OLD GRAYSON WALTON IS FOUND INSIDE A COUCH

CLEATON, KENTUCKY — New details have emerged in the case of 11-month-old Grayson Walton, whose body was discovered inside a couch after his father left him in the care of a 19-year-old babysitter while he went to work.

Grayson was reported missing in Cleaton, Kentucky, on September 12. Investigators later located him at a home on Hillview Street.

Elijah Mayes, 19, has been arrested and charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and possession of methamphetamine.

POLICE SAY BABY WAS FOUND INSIDE COUCH

According to a criminal citation obtained by local media, investigators searching the Hillview Street home found Grayson inside a couch.

The document states that the infant appeared to have multiple bruises and what investigators described as teeth marks on his stomach.

The newly released details have added to the questions surrounding what happened to Grayson after he was left in Mayes’ care.

Authorities have not publicly released a complete account of how the baby died, and the investigation remains ongoing.

INVESTIGATORS SAY MAYES CREATED A FALSE STORY

Police say Mayes initially told investigators that a family friend had picked Grayson up on the evening of September 11.

Investigators contacted that person, who denied ever picking up the baby.

According to the criminal citation, authorities later accused Mayes of creating a fake phone number and sending messages to himself while pretending to be the person he claimed had taken Grayson.

The alleged messages were reportedly intended to support his account of what happened to the infant.

SECOND ARREST IN THE CASE

The investigation also led to the arrest of Jeff Barnett, who police identified as Grayson’s step-grandfather.

Barnett’s address was listed as the same Hillview Street residence where investigators say Grayson’s body was discovered.

He was arrested at a gas station in Graham and charged with tampering with physical evidence. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific conduct underlying that charge.

A FAMILY AND COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

Grayson’s death has devastated his family and the small Kentucky community where the investigation unfolded.

A fundraiser established in his memory thanked first responders and members of the public who helped during the search.

His obituary remembered him as a happy child who loved water, playing with other children and watching Ms. Rachel.

Funeral services for Grayson were held Thursday.

Meanwhile, Mayes remains in custody on a $1 million cash-only bond, according to local reports. Court documents related to the search warrant have been sealed until March 17, 2027.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have said additional information will be released as it becomes available.