The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
July 25, 2025 - BESSEMER, AL - The death of 3-year-old Ke'Torrius "KJ" Starkes Jr., a child in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), has sent shockwaves through the Bessemer community and reignited scrutiny over the state's child welfare system. KJ was found unresponsive in a parked vehicle on Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham on Tuesday, July 22, after being left alone for nearly five hours in sweltering heat by a third-party contractor hired by DHR.
A Preventable Tragedy
According to Birmingham Police and the Jefferson County Coroner's Office, KJ was left inside a locked car with the windows rolled up between approximately 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on a day when the heat index soared above 100°F. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene at 6:03 p.m. The interior temperature of the vehicle may have exceeded 150°F.
The child had been picked up earlier that morning from daycare by a contracted DHR transporter for a supervised visit with his biological father at the agency's Bessemer office. After the visit ended around 11:30 a.m., the worker reportedly ran personal errands-including stopping for food and visiting a tobacco store-before returning home and leaving KJ in the vehicle unattended.
Remembering KJ
KJ's father, Ke'Torrius Starkes Sr., described his son as "smart, brilliant, and joyful." At just three years old, KJ could count, name his colors, and identify animals. "He was respectful, intelligent, and full of life," Starkes said in an emotional interview. "He was supposed to go right back to daycare. That ride should never have been his last".
Family members and community advocates have called the incident neglect, demanding accountability beyond the termination of the employee involved. "This wasn't just a mistake-it was a failure of duty," said Brittney Johnson, KJ's aunt. "We trusted the system to protect him, and it didn't".
DHR Response and Political Fallout
The Alabama Department of Human Resources confirmed that the worker was employed by Covenant Services, a third-party provider contracted to transport children in state custody. The provider has since terminated the employee, but DHR has declined to release further details, citing confidentiality laws.
In the wake of the tragedy, several state lawmakers have expressed grief and concern. State Senator Merika Coleman, who represents the district where the incident occurred, said, "We need answers, and we may need to examine state law to make sure this never happens again. My prayers are with his family".
Representative Ontario Tillman echoed the sentiment, stating, "My initial reaction is one of shock and confusion. How and why did this happen? I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family." Meanwhile, Rep. Ginny Shaver emphasized that the incident appeared to be the result of individual negligence rather than systemic failure, noting that Jefferson County has contracted with Covenant Services since 2006.
Legal Questions and Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding KJ's death. The worker involved has reportedly cooperated with authorities and was taken to police headquarters for questioning. As of this writing, no criminal charges have been announced.
The family's attorney, Courtney French, has called for legal action, arguing that the worker's actions constituted gross negligence. "This child was left in a car while the worker ran errands. That's not a lapse in judgment-it's a breach of responsibility," French said. He added that the family is exploring all legal avenues to ensure justice is served.
Systemic Concerns
This incident has reignited longstanding concerns about the use of third-party contractors in child welfare services. Critics argue that outsourcing transportation and supervision duties to private providers can lead to lapses in accountability and oversight. "When you delegate care for vulnerable children, you must ensure those entrusted are held to the highest standards," said Dr. Lisa McKinney, a child welfare expert at the University of Alabama.
Advocates are now calling for a comprehensive review of DHR's contracting practices, training protocols, and emergency response procedures. "We need to know how this happened and how to prevent it from happening again," said Rev. Marcus Hill, a community leader in Birmingham. "This child deserved better."
Community Mourning and Vigil
A candlelight vigil is being planned in Bessemer to honor KJ's life and raise awareness about child safety in state custody. Local churches and advocacy groups are organizing the event, which will include prayers, speeches, and a call to action for reform.
"This is not just about one child," said Angela Brooks, director of the Alabama Child Advocacy Network. "It's about every child who depends on the system to keep them safe. We owe it to KJ to make sure his death was not in vain."
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