# Step-grandfather arrested in Kentucky baby's death

> A second arrest has been made in the investigation into 11-month-old Grayson Walton's death in Muhlenberg County.
- Title: Step-grandfather arrested in Kentucky baby's death | Shortify
- Summary: A second arrest has been made in the investigation into 11-month-old Grayson Walton's death in Muhlenberg County. Jeff Barnett, who lived in the home where…
- Keywords: grayson walton, jeff barnett, elijah mayes, muhlenberg county, kentucky, infant death, tampering with physical evidence, murder investigation, central city police, news, local, Step-grandfather
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/17/man-who-lives-home-where-11-month-old-boy-was-found-dead-arrested-connection-infants-death
- Published: 2026-09-17T20:10:39.073+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: grayson walton, jeff barnett, elijah mayes, muhlenberg county, kentucky, infant death, tampering with physical evidence, murder investigation, central city police, news, local
## Step-grandfather arrested in baby case
Jeff Barnett was arrested at a gas station in Graham on a warrant for tampering with physical evidence. He lived at the Hillview Street home in Cleaton where 11-month-old Grayson Walton's body was discovered.
## Infant reported missing after disturbance call
Central City police responded to a disturbance at a home on Harrison Avenue on Saturday, September 12. Grayson Walton's father said the boy was supposed to be in the care of Elijah Mayes while he was at work.
## Conflicting accounts about child's whereabouts
Mayes told officers a friend picked up Walton on September 11, but that friend denied picking him up. A family member said they last saw the boy on Friday.
## Body found during second home search
Investigators searched a home and car, finding suspected methamphetamine. During a search of a second home, they discovered Walton's body.
## Mayes charged with murder and abuse
Elijah Mayes was charged with murder, criminal abuse in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and possession of methamphetamine. He appeared in court Thursday morning.
## Key takeaway

Jeff Barnett, who lived in the home where the infant's body was found, was arrested on a tampering with physical evidence charge.