WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The grief-stricken father of a toddler who died after being left in a hot car says his son would still be alive if the Department of Social Services had handled their custody case differently.

Xy’mere Miller was four months old when he died on Aug. 25 after being left alone in a vehicle for what family members say were hours. His father, John Miller II, is calling his son’s death a tragic failure of the system meant to protect children.

“I’m still waiting to wake up from this nightmare,” John Miller said through tears. “I know I could have many more kids, but I want that kid. I want that child.”

John Miller says Xy’mere Miller was removed from his birth mother’s care immediately after birth and placed with Armina Seals Middleton, who has since been cha

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