Overview

• Ke’Torrius Starks Jr. was left alone in a contracted DHR worker’s car for about five hours on July 22 as outside temperatures reached 108°F and interior heat likely topped 150°F.
• The Covenant Services, Inc. employee allegedly ran personal errands instead of returning the boy to daycare and was terminated by the provider.
• An Alabama DHR spokesperson confirmed the contract worker’s dismissal but declined to release further details due to confidentiality rules.
• Jefferson County authorities have opened a probing inquiry and are assessing whether to pursue criminal charges in the child’s death.
• Child-safety advocates are urging welfare agencies to strengthen transport protocols and calling on automakers to install occupant-detection systems.