Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Former Worker Charged in Tragic Hot Car Death

8/2/2025

34 7

Summary

Story summary

Kela Stanford, a former DHR contract worker, is charged in the tragic hot car death of 3-year-old Kettorius "KJ" Starkes Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama. Left in a vehicle for five agonizing hours instead of being returned to daycare, KJ's death has drawn sharp condemnation from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who labeled the incident as gross negligence.

1 of 1

Story summary

Kela Stanford, a former DHR contract worker, is charged in the tragic hot car death of 3-year-old Kettorius "KJ" Starkes Jr. in Birmingham, Alabama. Left in a vehicle for five agonizing hours instead of being returned to daycare, KJ's death has drawn sharp condemnation from Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, who labeled the incident as gross negligence.