Who Is Elijah Mayes? Babysitter, 19, Charged With Murder After 11-Month-Old Grayson Walton Found Dead in Kentucky Home

Who is Elijah Mayes?

Elijah D. Mayes is a 19-year-old from Central City, Kentucky, who has been arrested in connection with the death of 11-month-old Grayson Walton. According to the Central City Police Department, Mayes was supposed to be caring for the infant while Grayson's father was at work.

Mayes is facing several serious charges, including murder, first-degree criminal abuse of a child, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and possession of a controlled substance, identified by police as methamphetamine.

The case remains an active investigation, and authorities have not publicly disclosed how Grayson died or identified a possible motive.

How did the investigation begin?

Police responded to a reported disturbance in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue in Central City at around 5:10 p.m. on Saturday, September 12.

When officers arrived, Grayson's father told them that his 11-month-old son was supposed to be in Mayes' care while he was at work.

Investigators then questioned Mayes. Police say he told them that a family friend had picked up Grayson at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, September 11.

However, according to authorities, the woman identified by Mayes denied ever picking up the baby.

Relative's account changed the search

Investigators subsequently received information from another family member who reportedly said they had last seen Grayson with Mayes at a residence on Hillview Street in Cleaton, several miles south of Central City.

That information helped police narrow their search.

Officers obtained search warrants for properties and vehicles connected to the investigation. During a search of a residence on Harrison Avenue, police said they found suspected methamphetamine.

A second search was then conducted at a residence in the 300 block of Hillview Street in Cleaton. It was there that investigators found Grayson dead inside the home, according to police.

What charges does Mayes face?

Mayes was taken into custody and booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center.

Police say the charges currently include:

• Murder

• First-degree criminal abuse of a child

• Tampering with physical evidence

• Abuse of a corpse

• First-degree possession of a controlled substance — methamphetamine

The exact circumstances surrounding Grayson's death have not been released publicly. Authorities have also not announced a motive.

What happened to 11-month-old Grayson Walton?

Grayson was initially reported missing after his father discovered that the child was not where he was expected to be.

Police said their priority during the early stages of the investigation was finding the child alive. Central City Police Chief Jason Lindsey said investigators did not initially know whether Grayson was inside a residence or somewhere outside, prompting them to obtain search warrants.

The investigation eventually led officers to the Hillview Street property, where the infant was found deceased. The FBI, Kentucky State Police and several local agencies assisted Central City police with the case.

Has police revealed how Grayson died?

No. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the cause or manner of Grayson's death.

They also have not announced a possible motive or provided details about what investigators believe happened between the time Grayson was last seen alive and when his body was discovered.

Because the investigation is ongoing, additional charges or information could emerge as detectives continue reviewing evidence.

What happens next?

Mayes remains in custody while the criminal case proceeds. It was not immediately clear from the latest reports whether he had obtained an attorney or entered a plea.

Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains active and that further information will be released when investigators determine that it can be made public.

Importantly, the charges against Mayes are allegations at this stage. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.