Florida dad once arrested for ‘turning a leaf blower on his infant son’ has now been accused in the child’s murder
A Florida father has been indicted on a murder charge in connection to the death of his infant son, months after he allegedly used a leaf blower on the child.
James Westervelt III, 38, of Marion County, was indicted on first-degree felony murder, according to records filed by prosecutors on July 30. The filing noted that additional charges were pending.
The murder charge came months after a separate allegation of child abuse, accusing Westervelt of using a leaf blower on the baby when he was even younger, according to local reports.
Deputies responded to a home in August 2024 for a report of an unresponsive six-month-old infant, WESH 2 reported. The child — Westervelt’s son — was transported to a hospital and put on life support, but he died a few days later.
The boy’s death was determined to have been caused by shaken baby syndrome.
It’s unclear what happened to the child that led to the its death.
When Westervelt was charged, he was already in jail for an alleged incident involving a leaf blower that happened when the child was two-months old. Westervelt he used the tool on the newborn because “he thought it was funny,” WCJB reported.
Deputies said they found video showing Westervelt using the yard tool on the infant’s face.
The Independent has contacted prosecutors, an attorney representing Westervelt and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
Marion County is located in North Central Florida, approximately 90 miles from Orlando, and encompasses the city of Ocala.
