Florida: Man Uses Leaf Blower on Infant, Indicted After Child Dies
A Florida man, James Westervelt, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge nearly two years after the death of his six-month-old son. Prosecutors allege he admitted using a leaf blower on the infant because he thought it was funny, while doctors determined the child died from blunt head trauma caused by bouncing.
A Florida man has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge nearly two years after the death of his six-month-old son, according to Marion County court records. James Westervelt, 38, is accused of abusing the infant, including allegedly admitting to investigators that he used a leaf blower on the child because he thought it would be funny. Authorities say the child later died from blunt head trauma caused by bouncing.
Westervelt was formally charged with first-degree murder on Thursday after prosecutors secured an indictment. The charge follows an earlier child abuse case stemming from the same investigation. He remains in custody in Marion County and is scheduled to return to court in September. Michigan Parents Charged With Murder After 7-Year-Old Son Weighing 116 kg Dies (Watch Video).
According to investigators, the infant was just two months old when Westervelt allegedly blew air at him with a leaf blower. Police said Westervelt allegedly admitted he thought it would be fun to use the device on the child.
Authorities also allege the infant suffered blunt force trauma caused by bouncing. The child was placed on life support before dying in August 2024. Doctors later determined the cause of death to be blunt head trauma caused by bouncing, according to court records and local reports. US Shocker: 18-Month-Old Girl Dies After Being Left in Hot Car Overnight Post Fourth of July Party in Florida, Parents Arrested and Charged for Manslaughter.
Marion County prosecutors filed the indictment on July 30, charging Westervelt with first-degree murder. The murder charge replaces the earlier child abuse charge that had been filed in connection with the infant's injuries and death. Westervelt remains in custody and is expected to appear in court again in September.
Court records show Westervelt was also charged in May with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. His next scheduled court appearance on those charges is set for Aug. 5 for a pretrial conference.
Westervelt's attorney and the Marion County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The murder case will proceed through the Florida court system, with prosecutors alleging that the infant's death resulted from abuse. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 02, 2026 08:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).