‘I am beyond broken’: Balloon release honors Bessemer boy who died in hot car

BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) - The Bessemer community rallied together Friday night to honor the life of Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr.

The 3-year-old boy tragically died after being left in a hot car on Tuesday, July 22.

This candlelight vigil came just hours after charges were announced in the case.

A sea of blue and green balloons flew up into the sky outside the Bessemer DHR office.

KJ, who was in DHR custody, was found alone inside the hot car parked along Pine Tree Drive in Birmingham in late July.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed he was left inside for about five hours.

Before the vigil, 54-year-old Kela Stanford - a contracted worker responsible for transporting KJ for DHR - was charged in his death.

Speakers at Friday’s vigil called this a “systematic failure,” but they took comfort in knowing KJ is now in a better place.

“This message is for KJ,” said Terrica Starkes, the boy’s aunt. “We will reunite with you up there. You was taken from us and we never had a chance to say goodbye.”

It is set to be an emotional weekend for the family, who is laying KJ to rest on Saturday.

“I am beyond broken and we will forever carry you on in my heart,” Starkes added.

A funeral service is planned for 12:30 p.m. at Sixth Avenue Beulah Baptist Church in Bessemer.

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