Tragedy in Birmingham: 3-Year-Old Dies After Being Left in Hot Car by Contracted DHR Worker

On June 22, Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes Jr., a three-year-old from Bessemer, was found unresponsive in a hot car on Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham. He had been left inside from approximately 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, according to Birmingham police.

Temperatures that day reached 96°F, with the car’s interior likely exceeding 150°F. KJ was pronounced dead at 6:03 PM.

KJ had been placed in the temporary custody of Alabama’s Department of Human Resources (DHR) due to concerns of drug use in his home. That morning, he was taken from daycare for a supervised visit with his father at a DHR office. The contracted employee responsible for KJ, who worked for Covenant Services Inc., allegedly ran personal errands after the visit — including stops at a smoke shop and for food — before leaving the child in the vehicle outside their home.

“This is a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy,” said the family’s attorney, Courtney French. “The very system meant to protect him failed him.”

KJ’s foster parent and aunt, Brittney Debruce, said he was missing when she went to retrieve him. He was later discovered in the vehicle by her and responding officers.

DHR confirmed the child was in the care of a contracted provider at the time and that the provider had since fired the employee. Due to confidentiality laws, the agency declined to comment further.

Birmingham police say the employee has cooperated with investigators. As of now, no charges have been filed, but the investigation continues.

An autopsy has been completed, and KJ’s body has been returned to his family. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, August 2.

Our hearts go out to KJ’s grieving family during this unimaginable time.