OCALA, FL - A 38-year-old man from Florida was indicted on a charge of first-degree murder this past July regarding the 2024 death of a 6-month-old child who reportedly died via blunt force trauma to the head. The suspect reportedly admitted to authorities to using a leaf blower on the infant because he allegedly found it humorous.
Marion County deputies arrested 38-year-old James Westervelt on May 5th, nearly two years after the death of a 6-month-old infant who authorities say died from injuries inflicted by Westervelt. The child was reportedly 2-month-old at the time of the alleged leaf blower incident which resulted in the child being placed on life support before succumbing to the sustained injuries in August of 2024.
Investigators reportedly obtained video footage of Westervelt using the leaf blower on the child, which authorities say the suspect admitted to the act because he thought it would be funny. The video footage of the incident reportedly showed the infant struggling to breathe while faced with the weaponized lawn equipment.
Medical professionals cited the infant’s cause of death at blunt force trauma to the head, which authorities believe were sustained while bouncing the child at some point after the alleged leaf blower incident.
In the wake of the child’s passing, Westervelt was originally only facing charges of child abuse, but an indictment secured in late July saw the charges upgraded to first-degree murder.
Westervelt remains in custody at the Marion County Jail without bond, with his next scheduled court appearance slated for September 1. The suspect is also facing charges of depraved homicide without premeditation, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
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