BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - A woman charged in connection with the death of 3-year-old Ke’Torrius ‘KJ’ Starkes did not appear in court Monday as scheduled.

According to court records, Kela Stanford was set for a first call in the case. Prosecutors say Starkes died after being left inside a hot car for several hours while under Stanford’s care. She is currently out on bond for a Class B felony.

WBRC has confirmed that Stanford will be scheduled for another hearing next month. If she does not appear, a warrant could be issued for her arrest.

At the time of Starkes’ death, Stanford was working for Covenant Services, a company contracted by the Alabama Department of Human Resources to transport children to daycare.

WBRC followed up with DHR to determine whether Covenant Services is still

See Full Page