(WDNews) A woman charged in connection with the death of 3-year-old Ke’Torrius “KJ” Starkes failed to appear in court on Monday as scheduled.
Court records show Kela Stanford was due for a first call hearing in the case but did not attend. Prosecutors allege Stanford left Starkes inside a hot car for several hours, leading to the child’s death. At the time, she was working for Covenant Services—a company contracted by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) to transport children to daycare.
Stanford is currently out on bond and faces a Class B felony charge. Her case is expected to be reset for a hearing next month. If she fails to appear again, a warrant could be issued for her arrest.
Following the incident, state lawmakers have voiced concerns over oversight within DHR and its contractors. State Rep. Patrick Sellers of District 57 said the situation points to larger system failures.
“This tragedy has revealed glaring cracks in the system. Cracks that cost a child his life,” Sellers said. “We must ask the hard questions. How did this happen on the watch of those entrusted with KJ’s care? Where was the oversight?”
The investigation into Starkes’ death remains ongoing, as calls grow for reform and stronger accountability measures to protect children in the state’s care.
