Infant Rescued Alive From Underground Crate in South Carolina as Father Faces Charge

What happened

An 11-month-old boy spent a day buried underground inside a dog crate before being rescued by authorities in South Carolina. The infant, who has reddish blond hair, was discovered underground in a wooded area on a neighbor's property.

Officials noted that the child likely survived the ordeal due to cool ambient temperatures and an air pocket formed by a towel wrapped around the crate beneath the soil. The crate was estimated to be roughly two feet by two feet, leaving about a foot of space between the top of the enclosure and the ground surface above.

How it unfolded

The situation began on Monday when the baby vanished after being taken from his mother's home. The child's grandmother had been supervising while watching the boy and briefly left him alone with Michael Comer, who then departed abruptly with the infant.

Surveillance footage from several area businesses on Monday afternoon captured Comer traveling to various locations without the baby. Law enforcement later arrested Comer on a burglary charge, but he did not initially disclose his son's location when questioned by authorities.

On Tuesday, a search party consisting of approximately 100 police officers and firefighters deployed to woods near Comer's residence. Rescuers spotted freshly disturbed dirt and heard cries coming from beneath the surface, prompting an urgent extraction effort that ultimately freed the infant.

The people involved

The infant's father, 25-year-old Michael Comer, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident. Court records show Comer was previously sentenced to probation in October after pleading guilty to domestic violence and aggravated breach-of-peace charges related to a July arrest.

The child's grandfather, John Comer, had recently permitted his son and grandson to stay at his home after being told they needed a place to reside. Following the rescue, family members expressed immense relief upon learning the infant was safe and expected to make a full recovery.

Great-aunt Amber Hammond noted that the baby, nearly a year old, has been trying to stand on his own and enjoys watching Mickey Mouse cartoons. Grandmother Patricia Comer stated that the child's mother held full custody but allowed her to supervise visits with the father.

Response and aftermath

Following his extraction from the ground, the baby was described by the sheriff as "clinging to life" and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. By Tuesday night, the infant was discharged and is expected to make a full recovery.

Family members gathered as the rescue unfolded, describing overwhelming emotions of joy and relief upon hearing the child's cries and seeing him brought to safety. John Comer recounted seeing the infant sit up on the back of a truck after being freed.

Michael Comer was subsequently taken into custody, having been arrested while hiding in a building located in Batesburg-Leesville. A court hearing was scheduled for Thursday.

What we still don't know

Authorities have not yet revealed any information regarding a motive behind the incident. Police are also still determining what additional charges may be brought against the father.