Dontarious Batts, an adult with special needs was discovered deceased in a high school parking lot after his caretaker reportedly abandoned him in his car all day in blistering heat. The worker is now facing involuntary manslaughter charges as the bereaved family seeks financial assistance.
Dontarious Batts, who was nonverbal and autistic, died when his caretaker, Roger Lee Inge Jr., left him in his car for a whole day while working his second job. The 55-year-old was a janitor at Cleveland High School in North Carolina, United States.
On Tuesday, August 20, Inge drove with Batts, leaving his care recipient inside the car with the windows up and the engine turned off. Inge stated that he began his shift at work at about 8 a.m. At 10 a.m., he returned to his car to check on Batts.
According to Inge, the 25-year-old was well at the time, so he returned to work, ABC 11 reported on Wednesday.
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What Happened to Dontarious Batts?
After returning to work, Inge did not check on Batts again until 4:17 p.m. Unfortunately, Batts, an adult with special needs, was dead at the time. The caretaker then dialed 911 and followed the directions of the emergency operator. The Clayton Fire Chief told ABC 11 that his firemen attempted to save Batts’ life but were unsuccessful.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina, Inge was arrested on a manslaughter charge and issued a $35,000 secured bond. He has now been released from jail on bond.
The cause of death for Batts has yet to be identified. Furthermore, deputies reportedly stated that they were unable to determine whether heat inside the car led to his death.
Nonetheless, the high in Clayton, where Batts spent his final hours alive in the automobile, was 81°F (about 27°C), according to ABC 11’s First Alert Weather Team. According to the National Weather Service, inside temperatures of cars parked in the sun can increase up to 50°F (10°C) higher than outside temperatures.
Dontarious Batts’s caregiver’s Contract Terminated
After the incident, the Johnston County School District reported that Inge’s employment had been terminated. Inge had cared for Batts for nearly ten years. Batt’s family, who had invited Inge on vacation with them, were completely taken aback.
Geraldine Alshamy, Batts’ grandmother, expressed her anguish on Thursday, August 22, on Facebook, writing, “I am a broken family. The adult male left in the van and died was my grandson. I can’t begin to imagine why this man would be so cruel. We never saw it coming. Not ne [sic] has called to apologize or say one word.”
“I need to know why would think that was ok. Donte loved this man soooooo much. He would walk the floor tearing up venition blinds looking for him until he picked him up,” she added. “What could have been the reason? Why can’t you talk to us now?”
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According to reports, Batts is the youngest of five siblings. Tierra Blackston had last seen her brother on Sunday, August 18, and expected him to return that weekend.
Dontarious Batts’ Death
Batts’ tragic death has prompted significant strain on his mother’s finances, Alshamy revealed on Friday in a Facebook post. Speaking of her daughter, Alshamy wrote: “She did not realize her insurance on Dontae had been dropped.”
“As she finds herself in an unexpected, she is in a very difficult position emotionally, mentally, and financially,” she added. “Her husband is recovering from a stroke, and she is the sole provider. She is having a very hard time in every aspect right now and could use your help.”
Consequently, Blackston set up a GoFundMePage to help alleviate the additional difficulties that followed her brother’s death. “We are heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of our little brother Donte,” the fundraiser’s page read. “Words can’t express the hurt I feel writing this because it all still feels so unreal.”
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What Should You Avoid in Hot Weather?
You can take several steps to reduce the impact of a heat wave and avoid major illnesses or death from the hot weather. First and foremost, avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.
Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you are not thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose, permeable cotton garments to stay cool. Also, wear protective goggles, an umbrella or hat, and shoes or sandals when going outside in the sun.
Avoid intense activity while it is hot outside, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. If you must travel, bring water with you. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, as these might dehydrate your body. High-protein foods and stale food should also be avoided.
Use a cap or umbrella when working outside, and keep a wet towel on your head, neck, face, and limbs. Never leave kids or pets in parked cars. However, if you feel faint or unwell, seek medical attention immediately. To rehydrate, consume ORS or make your lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, or buttermilk.
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