Florida Father Indicted for First‑Degree Murder After Leaf‑Blower Incident with Infant

James Westervelt, a 38‑year‑old resident of Marion County, Florida, was indicted on July 30 on a first‑degree murder charge for the death of his six‑month‑old son. Prosecutors say Westervelt admitted using a high‑powered leaf blower on the infant when the child was about two months old, claiming he thought it would be funny. Video footage captured him directing the blower at the baby’s face, and investigators later discovered the child on life support after the incident, dying several days later.

Medical examiners determined the fatal injury was blunt‑head trauma caused by shaking or bouncing, consistent with shaken‑baby syndrome, rather than the leaf‑blower blast itself. In addition to the murder charge, Westervelt faces counts of depraved homicide, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. He remains in custody at the Marion County jail with a next court appearance scheduled for September.