State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) recently called for prayers and a thorough investigation in reaction to the death of the three-year-old Bessemer boy who died in Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) custody after allegedly being left in a hot car for nearly five hours.
Many across the state were incensed following the in-custody death of three-year-old Ke'Torrius "KJ" Starkes, Jr. of Bessemer, who was found dead in Birmingham after allegedly being left unattended in a hot car for nearly five hours.
Birmingham Police say Starkes was accidentally left inside the vehicle while in the care of Covenant Services, a third-party contractor for DHR.
Paschal's legislative efforts to improve child welfare have occasionally placed him at odds with DHR, such as earlier this year when DHR commissioner Nancy Buckner appeared at the statehouse to oppose Paschal's Department of Human Resources Transparency and Due Process Rights Notification Act. The bill, which would have mandated that DHR inform parents under investigation and inform them of their rights, never advanced in the House.
Paschal said that he was flooded with inquiries following Starkes' death, many of whom he says "have long called for improvements in our child welfare system."
"The heartbreaking loss of a 3 year old child in Bessemer has left our state grieving," Paschal said. "While the child was reportedly in the custody of DHR and being transported by a contract provider, I recognize that many questions remain. Over the past several days, I have received countless calls and messages from constituents and citizens across Alabama. I do not claim to know all the facts, but I am listening — to the voices of concerned citizens, to the pain of grieving communities, and to those who have long called for improvements in our child welfare system."
"I'm joining many in prayer for the family and all involved during this difficult time," he added. "As Psalm 34:18 reminds us, 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' This tragedy is a solemn reminder of the responsibility we all share to protect our most vulnerable. It underscores the urgent need to examine how we support children and families in Alabama. We must ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, while also committing ourselves to meaningful steps forward."
Paschal continued, "This child's life mattered. May this moment strengthen our resolve to do better — for every child in our care."
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