The family of a 2-year-old Alabama boy who died in the state’s care on Tuesday has hired an attorney.

Ke’Torrius Starks Jr. reportedly died after being left in a parked car for five hours. Birmingham police believe Starks was left in the car after he was picked up from daycare and had a supervised visit with his father, according to WTTO.

At the time of his death, Starks was reportedly in the care of a worker contracted through the Department of Human Resources, as CrimeOnline reported.

The family’s attorney, Courtney French, told WTTO that the DHR-contracted worker was supposed to take Starks back to daycare. Instead, she allegedly picked up food for her family and stopped to get tobacco. The employee then went home — leaving Starks in the vehicle for roughly five hours, according to the news outlet.

It is unclear whether criminal charges will be filed following the toddler’s death. Birmingham police said the worker is cooperating with its ongoing investigation.

Sparks is at least the 16th child to die in a hot car this year. According to No Heat Stroke, 39 children died in hot cars in 2024.

[Feature Photo: WBRC]