A Kentucky babysitter charged with murder has pleaded not guilty after police found 11-month-old Grayson Walton dead.
Elijah Mayes, 19, was supposed to be caring for Grayson while the baby’s father worked, authorities said. Investigators found the child’s body inside a couch at a home on Hillview Street in Cleaton on September 13.
Mayes faces charges of murder, criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and methamphetamine possession.
Police Allege Babysitter Fabricated Messages
According to a criminal citation obtained by 14 News, Mayes told investigators that a family friend had collected Grayson. Police said they determined that account was false.
Investigators allege Mayes created a phone number and sent messages to himself while pretending to be that person to support his account.
The citation described injuries on Grayson’s body. It also said the drug charge arose from a separate search at a Harrison Avenue residence, where police reported finding methamphetamine in a dresser drawer belonging to Mayes.
Second Man Faces Evidence-Tampering Charge
Police also arrested Jeff Barnett, whom they identified as Grayson’s step-grandfather. He faces a charge of tampering with physical evidence.
Barnett lives at the Hillview Street property where investigators found Grayson, according to WBKO’s reporting. The report did not detail the conduct underlying his charge.
Mayes pleaded not guilty during his September 17 court appearance. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 23. The charges against both men remain allegations, not convictions.
Community Gathers to Remember Grayson
Dozens of people attended a candlelight vigil in Cleaton to remember the baby and support his family.
Vigil organizer Georgina Sailing told WBKO she wanted the community to keep Grayson’s memory alive.
“My whole thing is speak his name. Don’t let him be forgotten,” she said.
The investigation remains ongoing.