Florida Father Indicted for First-Degree Murder of Infant

A Florida father has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the 2024 death of his infant son, an incident authorities allege began when he used a leaf blower on the child as a prank. James Westervelt, 38, was formally charged on July 30, according to Marion County court records.

The case stems from an emergency call in August 2024, when deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive six-month-old infant at a home in Belleview. The child, identified as Kenneth Westervelt, was transported to a hospital and placed on life support but died days later. The medical examiner determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head caused by violent shaking.

During the investigation, authorities discovered a video that allegedly showed Westervelt directing a leaf blower at his son’s face when the infant was approximately two months old. In subsequent interviews, Westervelt reportedly told investigators he did it because he thought it would be funny. The child abuse investigation continued for nearly two years, with Westervelt being arrested on related charges in April 2026.

Officials stated that during a later interview while Westervelt was in...