August 1, 2025 Press Release

A warrant was issued for Kela Stanford in relation to the death of 3-year-old Ketorrius Starks, Jr.  Kela Stanford has been arrested on that warrant by the Birmingham Police Department.

Kela Stanford is charged with violating Alabama Code Section 13A-11-290 - being a person for hire responsible for a child under the age of 7 and leaving the child unattended in a motor vehicle in a manner that creates an unreasonable risk of injury or harm.  The charge is a Class B felony and the range of punishment if convicted is 2 years up to 20 years.

This is a terrible tragedy that was completely avoidable and unnecessary.  Our condolences go out to Ketorrius’s family.

Because this is a pending case the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office will not have any further comment.

A charge against a defendant is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.