Bessemer, Alabama – A former contractor for the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Kela Stanford, 54, has been charged with a Class B felony in connection with the death of 3-year-old Ke’Torrius “K.J.” Starkes Jr. The child died on July 22, 2025, after allegedly being left unattended in a hot vehicle for approximately five hours. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office described the tragedy as "completely avoidable and unnecessary," according to a tweet from The Post Millennial.
Authorities reported that K.J., who was in DHR custody and foster care, was picked up by Stanford from a supervised visit with his father around 11:30 a.m. local time. Instead of transporting the child directly to daycare, Stanford reportedly made detours for personal errands, including grocery shopping and a visit to a tobacco shop. The child was subsequently left in the vehicle outside Stanford's residence from approximately 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on a day when temperatures reached 96 degrees Fahrenheit, with a "feels like" temperature of 103 degrees.
Stanford was arrested on August 1, 2025, and charged under the Amiyah White Act, which prohibits leaving a child under seven or an incapacitated person unattended in a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm. A Class B felony in Alabama carries a potential sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison. Police stated that Stanford had been cooperative with the investigation.
The Alabama DHR confirmed that the incident occurred while the child was "in DHR custody" and "being transported by a contract provider," adding that the provider terminated the employee. Due to confidentiality, the agency stated it could not comment further on the identity of the child or specific circumstances. This tragic event has prompted calls for a deeper inquiry into DHR's policies and oversight of its contracted services.
The family of Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr. expressed profound anguish, with K.J.'s aunt, Brittney Johnson, stating, "It’s heartbreaking for the mom and the dad because they’re not going to see him again." State Representative Patrick Sellers also called for an investigation into DHR practices, emphasizing the need for reforms to protect vulnerable children. K.J.'s death marks at least the 16th child hot car fatality nationwide in 2025.