BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) – The Department of Human Resources contract worker who is charged in connection with the hot car death of a 3-year-old did not show up to court Monday as scheduled.
Kela Stanford is accused of leaving 3-year-old Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes in a hot car for five hours in Alabama, leading to his death.
At the time of KJ’s death, Stanford was working for Covenant Services, a company contracted by the Alabama Department of Human Resources to transport children to day care.
She is currently out on bond for a Class B felony.
According to court records, Kela Stanford was set to appear in court but did not show up.
WBRC has confirmed that Stanford will be scheduled for another hearing next month. If she does not appear, a warrant could be issued for her arrest.
State leaders are calling for greater accountability from DHR when it comes to protecting vulnerable children in the system.
“This tragedy has revealed glaring cracks in the system. Cracks that cost a child his life,” said State Representative Patrick Sellers of District 57. “We must ask the hard questions. How did this happen on the watch of those entrusted with KJ’s care? Where was the oversight? What protocols were broken or worse never existed? This was about more than one individual. This was about a system that failed us. That failed KJ.”
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