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18h ago

Alabama DHR Contractor Arrested on Felony Charge in Foster Child’s Hot-Car Death

The arrest under the Amiyah White Act highlights gaps in state oversight that have prompted calls for tougher child-safety measures.

Ke’Torrius “K.J.” Starkes, Jr. died in hot car in Alabama while in state custody.
Kela Stanford has been arrested in connection with the death of 3-year-old Ke'Torrius “K.J.” Starkes Jr., who died when he was left unattended in a vehicle for hours.
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An Alabama Department of Human Resources building in Birmingham.

Overview

  • Kela Stanford was arrested Friday on a Class B felony under the Amiyah White Act for leaving foster child Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr. unattended in a hot car, exposing her to 2–20 years in prison if convicted.
  • She posted a $30,000 bond after being booked and has had her contract with the Alabama Department of Human Resources terminated.
  • Prosecutors say Stanford left the 3-year-old in a locked vehicle for about five hours following a court-ordered visit on July 22, during which interior temperatures likely exceeded 140 degrees.
  • A candlelight vigil drew more than 100 community members, and lawmakers are ramping up demands for oversight of third-party DHR contractors.
  • The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office is continuing its investigation, spurring calls for stricter child-safety protocols in state-supervised transportation.