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21h ago

Former DHR Driver Charged With Felony in Toddler’s Hot-Car Death

Investigators are examining Alabama DHR’s reliance on third-party drivers following the child’s death in sweltering conditions

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, 54, was arrested on August 1 and booked on a Class B felony charge under the Amiyah White Act for leaving 3-year-old Ketorrius Starkes Jr. unattended in her vehicle with bond set at $30,000.
  • Jefferson County authorities, Birmingham police and Alabama DHR oversight teams have launched concurrent reviews of foster-care transport protocols and contractor practices.
  • Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates reported that Ketorrius was locked in a car from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on July 22 and pronounced dead at 6:03 p.m., with interior temperatures likely exceeding 140°F.
  • Gov. Kay Ivey, lawmakers and child welfare advocates have condemned the fatal oversight and are pressing for tighter safeguards for vulnerable children in state care.
  • The case underscores a broader public-health issue as Alabama joins national calls for reforms to prevent hot-car fatalities involving young or incapacitated passengers.