A Florida man who allegedly once used a leaf blower on his infant son because he thought it was funny has been charged with the child’s murder.

James Westervelt of Ocala was charged in the August 2024 death of his 6-month-old son.

Westervelt, 38, was already in custody on child abuse charges related to the same child.
According to reporting from WESH, MCSO deputies were called to Westervelt’s home following reports of an unresponsive infant in the summer of 2024.

The infant was taken to a local hospital and placed on life support, but died several days later, per the outlet.

Doctors determined the infant’s cause of death was blunt force trauma caused by violent shaking.
Police later said video surfaced showing Westervelt blowing air on the same child with a leaf blower during an incident that took place prior to the infant’s later fatal injuries.

Investigators also stated that Westervelt claimed he used the leaf blower on his son because he thought it would be funny.

Westervelt’s next court appearance in relation to the murder charge is scheduled for September, per court records.
https://people.com/dad-charged-with-...ident-12032410

His FB: https://www.facebook.com/james.westervelt.16144