Alabama DHR files motion to dismiss lawsuit regarding Birmingham 3-year-old’s death

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Alabama Department of Human Resources has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed against it by the family of 3-year-old Ke’Torrius Starkes Jr.

The boy was found dead in a hot car in July. In the motion, DHR workers named claim they have state-agent immunity.

Kela Stanford, the employee who transported Starkes, pleaded not guilty in her response to the lawsuit. When Starkes died, Stanford worked for Covenant Services, Inc.

The company, which Jefferson County DHR contracted, was named in the lawsuit. Covenant Services also claimed immunity from the lawsuit.

“DHR’s efforts to dismiss this wrongful death and not provide closure for KJ’s family is unbelievable,” stated Courtney French, an attorney representing the family. “The system we are supposed to trust with our precious children is trying to dodge accountability and responsibility. We will not give up the fight for justice for KJ.”