Authorities in North Carolina said a disabled man died after his caregiver left him alone in a hot car while the suspect was at his second job. According to WRAL, the fatal incident occurred on Tuesday.
The victim, identified as 25-year-old Dontarious Batts, was under the care of Rogers Lee Inge Jr., 55, when he died. Inge is said to have reported Batts’ death to authorities and also informed them that the victim was in his care at the time.
Batts was a special needs person and could not take care of himself. Inge told authorities he worked at Universal Health Care and had another janitorial job at Cleveland High School. He said he went to his high school job with Batts on Tuesday morning, and he left the disabled victim in the car. He also said the car windows were up and the engine was not running.
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He said he returned to the car at 10 a.m. to check on Batts, adding that the disabled victim was okay at the time. He said he subsequently went back to work and returned to the car six hours later. He told authorities he noticed Batts had died when he returned.
Inge subsequently made his way to a fire station with Batts’ body in the vehicle and also called 911 while driving there. Batts’ body was later found in the vehicle by deputies who arrived at the fire station. Inge also remained at the scene.
Maj. Jeff Caldwell of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said that though an autopsy would be performed, investigators suspect Batts’ death stemmed from the high temperature in the car, WRAL reported.
Inge has since been charged with involuntary manslaughter and he is being held under a $35,000 bond. The Johnston County Public Schools has since fired him.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has since been set up to help raise funds for Batts’ family. “We are heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of our little brother Donte. Words can’t express the hurt I feel writing this because it all still feel so unreal. On August 20, 2024 my brother Dontarius Batts (Donte) who was autistic and non verbal was left in a hot vehicle by his caregiver with the engine off and the windows up between the hours of 8am until a little after 4pm,” the fundraiser states.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out for support to help cover the unforeseen expenses that have arisen for my mother as she grieves. Any contribution, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated as we navigate this devastating loss and honor his memory.”
