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 Central City, Kentucky, man 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 was arrested on Sunday after investigators found Grayson's body inside a residence in Cleaton, Muhlenberg County. He is facing several charges, including murder, first-degree criminal abuse of a child, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Authorities have not publicly disclosed Grayson's cause of death or explained what investigators believe happened to the child.

How did the investigation begin?

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

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

Investigators then questioned Mayes about the child's whereabouts.

According to police, Mayes told officers that a family friend had picked up Grayson at about 10 p.m. on Friday, September 11. Investigators subsequently spoke with that person, who denied picking up the baby.

Relative's statement led investigators to another home

As detectives continued interviewing people, a relative reportedly told investigators that they had last seen Grayson with Mayes at a residence in the 300 block of Hillview Street in Cleaton, roughly five miles south of Central City.

Police then obtained search warrants for properties in Central City and Cleaton as they attempted to determine what had happened to the infant.

During a search of the Harrison Avenue residence, investigators said they found suspected methamphetamine.

A second search was conducted at the Hillview Street property. Police said that was where they found Grayson deceased inside the residence.

What charges does Mayes face?

Mayes was taken to the Muhlenberg County Detention Center following his arrest.

The charges listed by police are:

• 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 murder charge is an allegation at this stage. The available police and local-news reports do not establish how Grayson died or what evidence investigators believe links Mayes to the child's death.

What is known about Grayson Walton?

Grayson was 11 months old when he died.

Police said his father expected him to be in Mayes' care while he was working. The investigation began after authorities were alerted that the infant's whereabouts were unclear.

Grayson's body was ultimately discovered at the Hillview Street residence in Cleaton. Police have not released further details about the condition of the body or the circumstances surrounding the death.

What happened to Mayes after the arrest?

Mayes was booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center, where he remains in custody according to the latest reports.

Some media reports have cited a $1 million cash-only bond, but the Central City Police Department's public account of the case does not include bond information.

Investigation remains ongoing

The Central City Police Department said the investigation is continuing and that no additional details about Grayson's death had been released at the time of its latest update.

Authorities have not announced a motive, a cause of death or whether additional charges could be filed.

The Central City Police Department also expressed condolences to Grayson's family and loved ones.

Mayes has been charged, not convicted. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.