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Alabama Contract Worker Fired After Foster Toddler Dies in Hot Car

This tragedy has renewed scrutiny of foster care transport protocols

KJ was strapped inside the parked vehicle for hours outside the employee's home, the family's attorney told CNN.
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Overview

  • Birmingham police have opened a criminal investigation into Ke’Torrius Starks Jr.’s death and are exploring possible charges against the fired contractor.
  • The DHR-contracted driver allegedly ran personal errands, including grocery and tobacco stops, rather than returning him to daycare after a supervised visit with his father.
  • Ke’Torrius was trapped for about five hours inside a closed car on Pine Tree Drive with interior temperatures estimated to exceed 150°F, according to the coroner’s office.
  • His death is Alabama’s first pediatric hot-car fatality of 2025 and the 16th nationwide, reflecting a rising trend in child heatstroke deaths.
  • Family attorney Courtney French and state senator Merika Coleman have called for legislative action and tighter safeguards in foster care transport services.