Ke’Torrius “K.J.” Starkes Jr., a lively and dearly loved three-year-old boy, died in a heartbreaking incident after being left alone in a hot car while under the care of a contracted worker for the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), the state agency responsible for child welfare.
The Birmingham Police Department is currently investigating the case, which has caused widespread anger and sorrow. According to CNN, K.J. was described by his family as a “happy,” “smart,” and “full of life” little boy who brought joy to everyone around him. The tragedy was part of a court-ordered process meant to reunite him with his parents. On Tuesday, a worker hired by a company that contracts with Alabama DHR picked him up from daycare at 9:00 a.m. for a supervised visit with his father. The visit ended around 11:30 a.m.
