Tragedy In Alabama: Toddler Dies In Hot Car Under State Care

A contracted employee of the state’s Department of Human Resources left a three-year-old kid in a hot automobile for hours before he died. On Tuesday, June 22, Bessemer resident Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr. was discovered unconscious inside a car parked outside a residence on Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham.

KJ was in the automobile from around 12:3 PM to 5:30 PM, Birmingham police said, according to PEOPLE. According to lawyer Courtney French, he was declared dead at 6:03 PM after local temperatures hit 96 degrees with a heat index that may have caused the car’s inside to reach 150 degrees. French, who works for the boy’s family, claimed that because of claims of drug usage in the home, the youngster was temporarily placed in DHR’s custody.

That morning, KJ was taken from nursery to go to a DHR office in Bessemer for a monitored visit with his father. The employee, who works…

A contracted employee of the state’s Department of Human Resources left a three-year-old kid in a hot automobile for hours before he died. On Tuesday, June 22, Bessemer resident Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr. was discovered unconscious inside a car parked outside a residence on Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham.

KJ was in the automobile from around 12:3 PM to 5:30 PM, Birmingham police said, according to PEOPLE. According to lawyer Courtney French, he was declared dead at 6:03 PM after local temperatures hit 96 degrees with a heat index that may have caused the car’s inside to reach 150 degrees. French, who works for the boy’s family, claimed that because of claims of drug usage in the home, the youngster was temporarily placed in DHR’s custody.

That morning, KJ was taken from nursery to go to a DHR office in Bessemer for a monitored visit with his father. The employee, who works for Covenant Services Inc., is accused of running personal errands after the visit while the child was still buckled up in his car seat.

French informed the newspaper that stops included going to a smoke shop and getting meals. Then the worker left KJ in the car and went home. “This is a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” French said. “The safety net that should have been in place to protect KJ and others like him is what caused his death. So the very system that is in place for his protection was the system that led to his death – and that’s what’s so tragic about this.”

Brittney Debruce, KJ’s aunt, informed AL.com that KJ was absent when the foster parent went to pick him up from nursery. The youngster was later found inside the car by her and the Birmingham police. In a brief statement, DHR confirmed that at the time of the event, the youngster was being carried by a contract provider. “The provider has terminated their employee,” the agency noted, adding, “Due to confidentiality, DHR cannot comment further regarding the identity of the child or the exact circumstances.”

The driver, who has not been named publicly, has been helpful, according to Birmingham police, and was taken to police headquarters to be questioned. The inquiry is still underway, but no charges have been brought yet. In a statement shared through French, KJ’s parents said, “This is a parent’s worst nightmare. Our baby should be alive,” cited by The Independent.

The child’s body has been released to his family following the completion of an autopsy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. His cause of death has not yet been officially determined. The funeral service for KJ is set for Saturday, August 2. Right now, our thoughts are with KJ’s family.

Related Posts

Taylor Swift admits that she tested positive for…See more

In a heartfelt Instagram post just moments ago, Taylor Swift revealed that she has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing her to postpone tonight’s highly anticipated Eras Tour…

Check hmmm .. Nice .. :)S

Approaching women can be a nerve-wracking experience for many men. The fear of rejection or not knowing what to say often creates unnecessary pressure. However, with the…

Trump signs executive order that will change future elections

President Donald Trump has signed a contentious new executive order that could significantly impact future US elections, leading to heated discussions across the country. Since taking office…

“She Smiled for Years… Now the Mask Is Off” — Nicole Kidman Breaks Silence on Keith Urban Moving Out!

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Part Ways After Nearly 20 Years After almost two decades as one of Hollywood and country music’s most beloved couples, Nicole Kidman…

Melania Trump’s latest look sparks both applause and backlash

During the first few months of Donald Trump’s second term, Melania Trump maintained a low profile; however, in recent months, she has been appearing in public more…

Nicole Kidman Cites Reason She Filed for Divorce from Keith Urban After Nearly 20 Years of Marriage – Report

After 19 years of marriage, Nicole Kidman has formally filed for divorce from Keith Urban, closing a chapter that many once viewed as one of Hollywood’s most…