Alabama Contractor Charged in Death of Toddler Left in Hot Car

Kela Stanford, a 54-year-old contractor for Alabama’s Department of Human Resources, was arrested and charged with felony child neglect after leaving 3-year-old Ke’Torrius “K.J.” Starkes Jr. unattended in a hot car for over five hours, resulting in the child's death. Stanford was responsible for transporting K.J. for a supervised visit with his father and was supposed to return him to daycare, but instead went home and left the child in the vehicle. The boy was in the custody of the state’s Child Protective Services due to alleged drug issues in his home, making this incident an especially tragic failure of the very system meant to protect him. Prosecutors described the death as completely avoidable and unnecessary, with Stanford facing potential prison time of up to 20 years. Family members and lawyers have criticized the Department of Human Resources for its role in the tragedy, highlighting systemic failures. Stanford was released on bond after being booked into jail, and it is unclear whether she has obtained legal representation.