03.08.2026 21:40
In the US state of Florida, a father who caused severe head trauma to his two-month-old baby by blowing compressed air on it with a leaf blower has been charged with first-degree murder. The father, named James Westervelt, said in his statement that he did this because he thought it would be funny.
A striking development has occurred in the investigation into the death of a baby who died two years ago in the US state of Florida. 38-year-old James Westervelt is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly admitting that he blew air at his two-month-old baby with a leaf blower before the incident.
ALLEGATION: "I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FUN"
According to the investigation file in Marion County, Westervelt held the leaf blower over the baby when the infant was just two months old. Authorities reported that Westervelt later said he did it because he thought it would be funny. It was stated that footage related to the incident was also considered as evidence in the investigation.
BABY SEVERELY INJURED, LOST LIFE
The baby was found unresponsive in August 2024 when he was just six months old and was taken to the hospital. The child, placed on life support, died days later despite treatment. Officials determined the death was linked to blunt head trauma and severe shaking, and classified it as a homicide.
INVESTIGATION CAME BACK TO AGENDA AFTER TWO YEARS
Westervelt was initially taken into custody on charges of child abuse. Videos that emerged in later stages of the investigation and contradictions in Westervelt's statements led the prosecution to reevaluate the case. Following the indictment prepared in July 2026, Westervelt was charged with first-degree murder.
It was reported that Westervelt remains detained in Marion County and is expected to appear before a judge again in September as part of the murder trial.