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A Kentucky man is accused of killing a baby he was trusted to care for while the boy’s father was working, police claim.
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Elijah Mayes, 19, was arrested after authorities discovered the body of his 11-month-old son Grayson Walton on Saturday, September 12, according to the Central City Police Department.
Mayes, of Central City, is charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), the department said in a Monday, September 14, news release.
Before Grayson’s remains were discovered, police responded to a reported disturbance at a Central City residence, where they met with Grayson’s father around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday.
According to police, the father told officers that his child “was supposed to be in the care of Elijah Mayes while he was at work.”
Mayes, who was at the scene, reportedly said a family friend had picked up the baby the prior evening, around 10 p.m. on Friday, September 11.
When officers located and subsequently interviewed the family friend, she said she never picked up Grayson, authorities claim.
Another family member allegedly told police that they last saw the baby with Mayes at a different home in Central City.
Investigators first executed a search warrant at the home where the disturbance was reported and discovered methamphetamine, according to police. They also searched a car outside the property.
Investigators later executed an additional search warrant at the same residence where the family member said they saw Mayes and Grayson, police said.
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The search led to the discovery of Grayson’s body inside the home, according to police.
“The Central City Police Department extends its condolences to Grayson’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time,” the department said in a statement.
Authorities have not specified how Grayson died or a potential motive for the alleged killing.
Several law enforcement agencies were involved in investigating what happened to Grayson, including Kentucky State Police and the FBI.
Mayes was ultimately booked in the Muhlenberg County Detention Center following his arrest.
It wasn’t immediately clear whether he had retained legal representation or entered a plea.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” police said. “Additional information will be released when appropriate and as the investigation allows.”
Central City is about a 125-mile drive southwest from Louisville.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
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This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 12:30 PM.