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Man Who Allegedly Used Leaf Blower on Baby because It Was 'Funny' Charged in Boy's Murder
Prosecutors say doctors ruled the infant’s death a blunt force trauma case, and Westervelt was already jailed on child abuse allegations.
- On July 30, records filed by Law Enforcement show James Westervelt III was indicted on a first-degree felony murder charge for the death of his 6-month-old son in Marion County.
- Deputies discovered video of Westervelt using a leaf blower on the infant's face when he was 2 months old, an act he allegedly claimed he did because "he thought it was funny."
- Doctors determined the infant died from blunt force trauma, specifically shaken baby syndrome, after being transported from the Family's Ocala home in August 2024.
- Following an initial second-degree murder charge, Law Enforcement dismissed the count and refiled the case as first-degree premeditated murder, with Westervelt held on child abuse charges.
- Westervelt is scheduled to appear in court this September to face the pending felony charges, as the Marion County Sheriff continues the investigation into the case.
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Dad killed 6-month-old for being a constant reminder of how the boy’s mom cheated on him, police say
Inset: James Westervelt (Marion County Sheriff’s Office). Background: AdventHealth Ocala (Google Maps). A 36-year-old Florida father is accused of killing his 6-month-old son, who died after suffering catastrophic head injuries, just a few months after he was arrested for allegedly using a leaf blower on the infant because he thought it was “funny.” James Westervelt...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left3Leaning Right6Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Right
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Right
55% Right
L 27%
C 18%
R 55%
Factuality
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