Five Hours Unattended; Temperatures Reached Lethal Levels
Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes, a three-year-old boy, died on July 22, 2025, after being left unattended in a vehicle for approximately five hours. The vehicle, belonging to a state contractor, allegedly reached temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The child was reportedly forgotten by the contractor, [Name withheld for privacy] Stanford, who was responsible for returning KJ to daycare.
The mother of the child, Ethanlynn Stewart, has initiated legal action. The lawsuit, filed as a representative of KJ's estate, names Stanford, her employer, and several individuals from both the state and county Departments of Human Resources. The complaint alleges negligence on the part of these officials, specifically pointing to a failure to notice KJ's prolonged absence from daycare.
Details of the Incident Emerge in Legal Filings
Court documents outline a series of alleged actions by Stanford on the day of KJ's death. Following pickup, Stanford reportedly made multiple stops. These included a grocery store, a return home to put away groceries, and a visit to a tobacco store, with KJ remaining in the vehicle during these excursions. The filing states Stanford eventually returned home around 12:30 p.m. and entered the house, leaving KJ in the car for the subsequent five hours.
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Lawsuit Aims to Hold Multiple Parties Accountable
The wrongful death lawsuit seeks damages from eight individuals and Stanford's employing company. It contends that these defendants bore responsibility for KJ's safety on July 22. The suit specifically implicates those involved in training Stanford and employees of the human resources departments for their alleged lapse in oversight.
Background: The incident underscores a critical concern regarding child welfare and accountability within state-contracted services. The legal proceedings aim to establish culpability and seek redress for the tragic loss of a young life.
