James Westervelt III was indicted on first-degree felony murder for the death of his 6-month-old son.
James Westervelt III was indicted on a first-degree felony murder charge on July 30 following the death of his 6-month-old son. The infant died in August 2024 after being placed on life support for several days following an unresponsive state. Doctors determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma, specifically shaken baby syndrome, caused by bouncing the child. While in custody for a separate incident, Westervelt was also accused of using a leaf blower on the infant when the child was 2 months old. He allegedly told investigators he performed the action because he thought it was "funny." Video evidence reportedly shows Westervelt using the yard tool on the infant's face. The murder charge was refiled from second-degree murder without premeditation to first-degree murder with premeditation. Westervelt will return to court in September.