Two years after the heartbreaking death of his six-month-old son, a Florida father is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the infant’s death.
James Westervelt, 38, was charged with first-degree murder on Thursday, July 30, according to reports. The case stems from the death of his infant son, who died in a hospital in August 2024.
Authorities say the baby was only months old when Westervelt allegedly used a leaf blower around him as a joke. Investigators later determined that the child had suffered severe blunt-force head trauma.
The infant was placed on life support following the incident but ultimately died.
According to court documents, doctors attributed the injuries to the baby being violently bounced, with “shaken baby syndrome” referenced in the filings.
Westervelt had previously been facing child abuse charges related to the same case. Authorities say that evidence gathered during the investigation eventually led prosecutors to pursue the much more serious murder charge.
A video reportedly surfaced showing Westervelt using a leaf blower toward his baby’s face. Investigators said Westervelt later acknowledged using the blower because he thought it was funny.
Zack Moore of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office explained to WESH 2 News how investigators were ultimately able to build the murder case.
”Eventually, once Westervelt was arrested in April of this year for child abuse on the same victim, they were able to interview him again while in jail, and it had been a couple years since he had provided his initial statement, and this time he provided enough contradicting evidence.
”Basically, we worked with the state attorney’s office and determined there was enough to arrest him for murder.”
Westervelt remains in custody in Marion County and is scheduled to appear in court in September.
Authorities also said that other children were living in the home.
As mentioned, Westervelt has had previous encounters with the law.
Court records show he was charged with possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in May. A pretrial conference on those charges is scheduled for Aug. 5.
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