The family of a 2-year-old Alabama boy who died in the state’s care on Tuesday has hired an attorney.

Ke’Torrius Starks Jr. is said to have passed away after remaining in a parked car for five hours. Birmingham police suspect Starks was left in the vehicle following a pick-up from daycare and a supervised visit with his father, as reported by WTTO.

At the time of the incident, Starks was under the supervision of an employee contracted by the Department of Human Resources, according to a report by CrimeOnline.

The family’s lawyer, Courtney French, conveyed to WTTO that the DHR-hired worker was responsible for returning Starks to daycare. However, she allegedly stopped to buy food for her family and tobacco instead. The employee afterwards went back home, leaving Starks in the car for around five hours, based on the news outlet’s account.

It is unclear whether criminal charges will be filed following the toddler’s death. Birmingham police said the worker is cooperating with its ongoing investigation.

Sparks is at least the 16th child to die in a hot car this year. According to No Heat Stroke, 39 children died in hot cars in 2024.

[Feature Photo: WBRC]