Three-year-old dies after being left in hot car while in DHR custody

A tragic incident occurred in Birmingham earlier this week when a 3-year-old child was left in a hot car for several hours, resulting in his accidental death.

Several news outlets reported that the victim was Keterrius “KJ” Sparks Jr. of Bessemer. At the time of the incident, the child was in the custody of the Department of Human Resources (DHR), which had contracted Covenant Services to transport him.

Authorities stated that KJ was found inside a vehicle at a residence on the 1500 block of Pine Tree Drive. It is estimated that he was in the car from approximately 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. when he was discovered. Experts estimate that temperatures inside the car could have reached 150 degrees during that time. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene and pronounced him dead.

WBRC reported that DHR released the following statement:

“A child in DHR custody was being transported by a contract provider when the incident occurred. The provider has terminated their employee. Due to confidentiality, DHR cannot comment further regarding the identity of the child or the exact circumstances.”

According to information provided by Covenant Services, the organization is a private agency that has offered family support services for over 20 years. Its programs include parenting classes, therapeutic visitation, educational support, behavior aid, sitter and transportation services, and training in basic living skills such as hygiene, meal preparation, and money management. Services are scheduled at the family’s convenience and conducted in the home, community, DHR offices, or the agency’s office.

WBRC also reported that the contracted worker has cooperated with law enforcement and submitted to questioning at Birmingham Police Headquarters.

The child’s biological father last saw his son alive on Tuesday morning during a scheduled visitation arranged by DHR. The outlet shared his statement.

“I mean, words can’t even express how I feel right now,” Sparks said, holding back tears. “As soon as I leave my son, the first thing he says is, ‘Daddy, I want to go with you.’ He says that every time, and it really hurts.”

KJ’s foster family is also mourning his loss. The family stated that when KJ’s foster mother arrived to pick him up later that day, he was nowhere to be found.

The tragedy has prompted the family to seek legal representation. According to Al.com, attorney Courtney French, who is representing the family, stated that the contractor picked up KJ from daycare at 9 a.m. for a supervised visit with his biological father. After the visit ended around 11:30 a.m., the worker reportedly stopped to pick up food for her family, visited a tobacco store, and then returned to her home, where she left KJ in the parked vehicle for more than five hours. French called the incident a “preventable tragedy” and confirmed an investigation has been initiated.

ABC 33/40 reported that Amber Rollins, director of Kids and Car Safety, emphasized the dangers of leaving a child in a hot car.

“This is one of those things that nobody thinks is going to happen to them, until it does. It’s just the most devastating thing in the entire world,” she said. “That heat to come in through the windows, and there’s nowhere for it to escape. Once it gets in there it’s trapped, and it bounces around in the vehicle causing the vehicle to heat up very quickly. You combine that with the fact that a child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than an adult, and you have a recipe for disaster in a very short amount of time. So, a child can begin suffering from a heat stroke in literally minutes.”

State lawmakers have also responded to the heartbreaking incident.

State Rep. Ontario Tillman (D-House District 56) issued a statement shared by ABC 33/40.

“My initial reaction is one of shock and confusion. How and why did this happen? I am more concerned about the family of this young child, dealing with this tragedy at this time. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family. I will seek more information about the facts surrounding this unthinkable incident.”

State Senator Merika Coleman (D-D-19th District) also expressed her concern.

“As a mother and as the Senator for the district where this tragedy happened, I am devastated by the death of little KeTorrius Starks Jr. We need answers, and we may need to examine state law to make sure this never happens again. My prayers are with his family.”

Birmingham Police are continuing to investigate. No charges have been announced.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].