Judicial Injustice? Here’s What Happened to the Alabama Social Worker Who Left a 3-Year-Old to Die in a 105°F Car

A tragic case out of Alabama has stunned the nation and sparked outrage after a 3-year-old boy died inside a hot car — and the woman responsible is already back on the streets.

Kela Stanford, 54, a contract social worker for the Alabama Department of Human Resources, has been charged after leaving 3-year-old KeTorrius “KJ” Starkes Jr. in a parked vehicle for five hours in brutal heat. The child, who was in temporary foster care, had just completed a supervised visit with his father, which Stanford facilitated.

Instead of taking KJ to daycare as planned, Stanford reportedly made stops at a grocery store and a tobacco shop, then went home — leaving the child strapped in his car seat inside a turned-off vehicle with the windows up. Temperatures that day reached 105°F, and the inside of the vehicle is believed to have exceeded 150°F, according to the family.

KJ was discovered unresponsive outside Stanford’s Birmingham home. Despite emergency responders’ efforts, he was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes later.

Video:

NEW: Alabama social worker released on bail after leaving 3-year-old to die in 105°F car for FIVE HOURS

Kela Stanford, 54, was arrested after 3-year-old KeTorrius Starkes Jr. was found unresponsive in a hot car outside her Birmingham home

KeTorrius was strapped into his car… pic.twitter.com/7oo89diY4W

— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) August 5, 2025

Stanford was booked into Jefferson County Jail and charged with leaving a child unattended in a vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm — a charge many believe falls far short given the horrifying outcome. Even more disturbing: she was released shortly afterward on a $30,000 bond.

Critics are now demanding answers: Why wasn’t she charged with a more serious offense? Why is she not behind bars pending trial? With public pressure mounting, some are calling for a full investigation into both the Department of Human Resources and the Jefferson County judicial system.

And as more facts come to light, there is speculation that Stanford could face upgraded charges — including possible manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide. But for now, a grieving family is left without justice… and a child is gone forever.

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