A young mother and social worker in Alabama is facing criminal charges after her two-year-old son died in a sweltering car, in a case that has left the community in shock.
KeTorrius Starkes Jr. was found unresponsive in the vehicle outside his mother's workplace in Birmingham. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to revive the toddler.
A Preventable Tragedy
Authorities confirmed the child had been left in the car for several hours while temperatures soared above 90°F (32°C). Investigators say the mother, who works as a social worker, claimed she forgot to drop her son at daycare before going to work.
Community Outrage
The tragic incident has sparked widespread anger, particularly as the mother worked in child welfare. 'This is someone who should have known better,' a local resident told reporters. 'She dealt with child protection cases - how could she leave her own baby in a hot car?'
Legal Consequences
The 24-year-old mother now faces charges of manslaughter. If convicted, she could serve up to 20 years in prison. Police are also investigating whether this was a case of criminal negligence.
Warning to Parents
Child safety experts are using this tragedy to remind parents about the dangers of hot cars. 'It only takes minutes for a car to become deadly in summer heat,' warned a spokesperson for Safe Kids Worldwide.
The case continues to develop as prosecutors prepare their arguments for what they describe as 'a heartbreaking but preventable' death.
