An Alabama contract worker faces serious charges following the tragic death of a toddler left in a hot car. Kela Stanford, 54, was arrested on August 1, 2025, for allegedly leaving 3-year-old Ke’Terrious Starkes Jr. unattended, leading to his death.
- Alabama contract worker arrested for toddler's death
- Kela Stanford charged with leaving child unattended
- Potential prison sentence of 2 to 20 years
- Ke’Terrious Starkes Jr. was 3 years old
- Child left in car for five hours
- Stanford posted $30,000 bond for release
Stanford is charged with one count of leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, which could result in a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years if she is convicted. The Jefferson County District Attorney described the incident as “a terrible tragedy that was completely avoidable and unnecessary.”
Ke’Terrious, who was in the foster care system, was supposed to be returned to daycare after a visit with his father. Instead, he was left in a vehicle for approximately five hours, according to police reports. How could this have happened?
This incident raises important questions about the safety protocols in place for children in foster care. How can such a lapse occur when Stanford had previously transported Ke’Terrious without issue? Consider these points:
- Regular transport of children in foster care should have clear guidelines.
- Accountability measures must be strengthened to prevent future tragedies.
- Public awareness about the dangers of leaving children in cars is crucial.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder for all caregivers to prioritize child safety and adhere strictly to protocols. Community vigilance can help prevent such heartbreaking events in the future.
