A three-year-old boy, KeTorrius Starkes Jr., tragically died after being left inside a hot car for five hours by a social services worker in Alabama, according to police reports.
Little KeTorrius, affectionately called KJ, was found unresponsive in his car seat on Tuesday, July 22, outside the worker’s home. Authorities say the car was turned off, and all windows were rolled up. The boy was reportedly left in the vehicle from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm. He was rushed for medical attention but was pronounced dead about 30 minutes after being discovered.
KJ had been under the care of a Department of Human Resources (DHR) contract worker, who was supposed to return him to his daycare after a supervised visit with his father, KeTorrius Starkes Sr. However, instead of taking him back to daycare, the worker allegedly made personal stops — including a grocery store and a tobacco shop — before returning home.
“A heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” said attorney Courtney French, who is representing KJ’s father.
The Alabama DHR confirmed that the employee involved has since been terminated, but due to confidentiality rules, they declined to share further details.
“The provider has terminated their employee. Due to confidentiality, DHR cannot comment further regarding the identity of the child or the exact circumstances,” the agency said in a statement.
The reasons behind KJ’s temporary placement with a foster family remain unclear.
KJ’s grieving family has called for tougher action against the worker.
“I feel personally that he was neglected, and that’s the true cause of his death,” said his aunt, Brittney Johnson, in an interview with Local 12.
The Birmingham Police Department confirmed on Friday, July 25, that the worker has been questioned and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
