A social services worker who left a 3-year-old boy to die in a scorching hot vehicle has been released on bail following her arrest in connection with the tragic incident.
According to Daily Mail, Kela Stanford, 54, was arrested last Friday after KeTorrius Starkes Jr., nicknamed KJ, was found unresponsive in her parked vehicle on July 22 in Birmingham, Alabama. Stanford, who worked as a contract employee for the Alabama Department of Human Resources, had taken the toddler to a supervised visit with his father but failed to drop him off at daycare afterward.
The temperature inside the vehicle likely exceeded 150 degrees as the boy remained strapped in his car seat for approximately five hours. The vehicle was turned off with all windows rolled up during a day when the heat index reached 108 degrees.
Neglect Leading to Preventable Tragedy
Stanford allegedly stopped at a grocery store and tobacco shop before returning to her home, completely forgetting the child was still in the vehicle. When KJ was finally discovered, he was immediately rushed for medical attention but was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later.
The Jefferson County District Attorney, Danny Carr, announced that Stanford has been charged with leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm, a Class B felony that carries a potential sentence of two to 20 years behind bars.
Records show Stanford was released from Jefferson County Jail on a $30,000 bond shortly after being booked. The Alabama Department of Human Resources confirmed that Stanford has been terminated from her position following the incident.
A Brilliant Young Life Cut Short
KeTorrius Starkes Jr. was described by family members as an exceptionally bright and joyful child who had already developed impressive cognitive abilities despite his young age.
His father, KeTorrius Starkes Sr., spoke emotionally about his son's intelligence: "He knew how to count, knew his colors, knew all the animals. I'm talking about he was very intelligent. He was just joyful."
The child had been living with a temporary foster family, though the reasons for this arrangement were not specified. Before his death, Stanford had taken him to a supervised visit with his father as part of her professional duties.
The family's attorney, Courtney French, described the incident as "a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy." KJ's aunt, Brittney Johnson, told Local 12 that she believes the boy's death was caused by "neglect."
Political Response and Investigation
Several Alabama politicians have expressed support for the family and called for potential legislative action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
State Senator Merika Coleman issued a statement saying: "As a mother and as the Senator for the district where this tragedy happened, I am devastated by the death of little KeTorrius Starks Jr. We need answers, and we may need to examine state law to make sure this never happens again. My prayers are with his family."
District Attorney Carr also expressed condolences, stating, "This is a terrible tragedy that was completely avoidable and unnecessary. Our condolences go out to Ketorrius's family."
The Birmingham Police Department reported that Stanford cooperated with their investigation. She now faces serious legal consequences as the case moves through the justice system.
Family Seeks Justice For KJ
KJ's family members have called for Stanford to face appropriate consequences for her actions that led to the child's death. The circumstances surrounding why KJ was in temporary foster care remain unclear.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources released a brief statement acknowledging the situation: "The provider has terminated their employee. Due to confidentiality, DHR cannot comment further regarding the identity of the child or the exact circumstances."
This devastating case highlights the extreme dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during periods of high temperatures. Hot car deaths remain a preventable tragedy that claims multiple young lives each year across the United States.
As the legal process unfolds, the community continues to mourn the loss of a bright young boy whose life was cut tragically short by what appears to be a catastrophic lapse in judgment by someone entrusted with his care.
