AI Generated Image
Florida dad charged with murder for turning leaf blower on infant son in fatal prank
The Independent • • nation
Key Points:
- James Westervelt III, a 38-year-old father from Marion County, Florida, has been indicted on first-degree felony murder charges after allegedly using a leaf blower on his infant son in a fatal prank.
- The 6-month-old child was found unresponsive in August 2024, placed on life support, and later died from shaken baby syndrome.
- Westervelt reportedly admitted to using the leaf blower on his son because he "thought it was funny," and deputies discovered video evidence of similar incidents when the child was younger.
- Additional charges against Westervelt are pending as investigations continue.
- Marion County, where the incident occurred, is located in North Central Florida and includes the city of Ocala.
