A Kentucky step-grandfather has been arrested on an evidence-tampering charge following the death of an 11-month-old baby whose body was discovered inside a home, police said.
Jeff Barnett is listed as residing at the same Hillview Street residence in Cleaton where investigators found the infant’s body, according to police.
Barnett was arrested on a warrant at a gas station in Graham, according to police.
Officers took the step-grandfather into custody as investigators continue piecing together how 11-month-old Grayson Walton died, police said.
The case began Sept. 12 when Central City police responded to a disturbance call, according to the department. Officers spoke with Grayson’s father, who said the baby was supposed to be in the care of Elijah Mayes while he worked, police said.
Mayes allegedly claimed that a friend had picked Grayson up the previous day, according to police.
Investigators subsequently interviewed that friend. That person told police that the pickup never happened.
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A family member also reported to authorities that the infant had last been seen on Friday, according to police.
During the inquiry, investigators searched a vehicle and a home, police said. Inside, officers reported finding suspected methamphetamine.
A search of a second residence led investigators to the discovery of Grayson’s body, according to police.
Mayes has since been charged with murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and first-degree possession of methamphetamine, records show.
The arrest makes Barnett the second suspect facing charges in connection with the child’s death, police said.
Barnett faces a charge of tampering with physical evidence. Authorities have not yet publicly detailed what evidence he is accused of tampering with, police said.
The investigation into the infant’s death remains active and ongoing, according to authorities.
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