A search for a missing 11-month-old Kentucky boy ended tragically after investigators found the child deceased inside a Cleaton residence, according to authorities.

Grayson Walton was reported missing in Muhlenberg County after his father told police that the baby was supposed to be in the care of 19-year-old Elijah Mayes while he was at work.

According to the Central City Police Department, officers responded to a reported disturbance in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue shortly after 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 12.

Investigators say Mayes initially told them that a family friend had picked Grayson up at approximately 10 p.m. the previous evening. Police later contacted that person, who reportedly denied ever picking up the child.

Authorities subsequently learned that Grayson had last been seen with Mayes at a residence on Hillview Street in Cleaton.

Investigators obtained search warrants for both residences and vehicles connected to the investigation. During a search of the Harrison Avenue property, police reported finding suspected methamphetamine.

A second search was then conducted at the Hillview Street residence. It was there that investigators discovered Grayson deceased.

Mayes was arrested and booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center. Authorities say he faces multiple charges, including murder, first-degree criminal abuse, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse and first-degree possession of a controlled substance involving methamphetamine.

Police have not publicly released Grayson’s official cause or manner of death. They also have not provided detailed allegations explaining the circumstances behind the murder charge.

Several agencies assisted with the investigation, including Kentucky State Police, the FBI, local law enforcement and fire departments, emergency management officials and the Muhlenberg County Coroner’s Office.

The Central City Police Department expressed condolences to Grayson’s family and loved ones and said the investigation remains active.

The charges are allegations, and Mayes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Sources: Central City Police Department; Kentucky State Police; Muhlenberg County Coroner’s Office; court records.