Body of 11-month-old baby was found hidden in couch with bruises, bite marks, citation shows

MUHLENBERG CO., Ky., Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - A criminal citation reveals new disturbing details surrounding the murder of an 11-month-old boy in Kentucky.

Authorities said Elijah Mayes, 19, was babysitting 11-month-old Grayson Walton while the infant’s father was at work on Sept. 13.

Mayes claimed a family friend had picked the child up on the night of Sept. 11, but investigators say they learned that never happened. Mayes was later arrested and charged with the child’s murder, in addition to criminal abuse, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, and possession of meth.

Read also: Fundraiser launched for 11-month-old victim in Muhlenberg Co. murder investigation

Court documents obtained on Friday detail the disturbing scene that was uncovered as authorities searched the home on Hillview Street.

During their search of the home, police say they found Walton dead inside a couch.

They said he was covered in bruises and appeared to have teeth marks on his stomach.

According to police, Mayes also made a fake phone number and texted himself, pretending to be the person he gave the baby to, in an attempt to convince them of his alibi.

The citation says Mayes’ meth charge stems from the separate search of a home on Harrison Avenue. Authorities said they found a shard of meth in a dresser drawer belonging to Mayes at that home.

Walton’s step-grandfather has also been arrested in connection with the case. He’s charged with tampering with physical evidence.

Mayes was in court for the first time Thursday.