Elijah Mayes Appears in Muhlenberg County Court Following Death of 11-Month-Old Child

September 17, 2026 - Elijah Mayes appeared via Zoom today in Muhlenberg County Court following his arrest in connection with the death of 11-month-old Grayson Walton. During the court appearance, Jason Byrd was appointed as Mayes’ public defender. Mayes is being held on a $1 million bond. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for September 23 at 9 a.m.

The Central City Police Department previously released the following statement:

"On September 12, 2026, at approximately 5:10 p.m., the Central City Police Department responded to a reported disturbance in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the father of an 11-month-old child. The father reported that the child was supposed to be in the care of Elijah Mayes while he was at work.

During an interview at the scene, Mayes told officers that a family friend had picked up the child at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11. Officers located and interviewed that individual, who stated that she had not picked up the child. A relative also reported last seeing the child with Mayes at a residence in the 300 block of Hillview Street in Cleaton on September 11.

As the investigation continued, additional interviews were conducted at the Central City Police Department. Investigators obtained and executed a search warrant for a residence and vehicle in the 800 block of Harrison Avenue. During the execution of this search warrant suspected Methamphetamine was located inside the residence. A second search warrant was obtained for a residence and vehicle in the 300 block of Hillview Street.

During the execution of the second search warrant, 11-month-old Grayson Walton was found deceased inside the Hillview Street Cleaton residence.

Elijah Mayes, 19, of Central City, was arrested and lodged in the Muhlenberg County Detention Center. He was charged with:

• Murder

• Criminal Abuse in the First Degree

• Tampering with Physical Evidence

• Abuse of a Corpse• Poss of Control Substance 1st (Methamphetamine)

The Central City Police Department extends its condolences to Grayson’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time.

We would also like to thank the following agencies for their assistance during this investigation:

• Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office

• Greenville Police Department

• Kentucky State Police

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

• Madisonville Police Department

• Central City Fire Department

• Greenville Fire Department

• Drakesboro Fire Department

• Dunmor Fire Department

• Bremen Fire Department

• Beechmont Fire Department

• Nelson Creek Fire Department

• Graham Fire Department

• Muhlenberg County Emergency Management

• Muhlenberg County Coroner’s Office

Elite Canine Search and Rescue Team K9 Blue, Raven and Masaw

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released when appropriate and as the investigation allow"

Mayes is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The investigation remains active and ongoing.