The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says James Westervelt of Ocala has been charged with first‑degree murder in the August 2024 death of his 6‑month‑old son. Investigators say video allegedly shows Westervelt using a leaf blower on the infant prior to the child’s later fatal injuries, and medical examiners ruled the death caused by blunt force trauma consistent with violent shaking. Westervelt was first arrested on child abuse charges in April; prosecutors refiled a first‑degree, premeditated murder charge on July 30. He remains in custody ahead of a September court date.
Ocala Father Charged With First‑Degree Murder After Alleged Leaf‑Blower Incident Involving Infant
James WesterveltCredit: Marion County Sheriff's Office
James Westervelt, 38, of Ocala, Florida, has been charged with first‑degree murder in the August 2024 death of his 6‑month‑old son, according to Marion County court records and local reporting.
Deputies were called to the family home in the summer of 2024 after reports that the infant was unresponsive. The child was taken to a nearby hospital, placed on life support and died several days later. Medical examiners determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma consistent with violent shaking.
Investigators say video surfaced showing Westervelt using a leaf blower on the infant during an earlier, separate incident. That footage led to his initial arrest on child abuse charges in April, local outlets report. Authorities also say Westervelt allegedly told investigators he used the leaf blower because he thought it would be "funny."
Police vehicle (stock image)Credit: Oliver Helbig/Moment RF/Getty
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), deputies re‑interviewed Westervelt after his April arrest. Investigators say contradictions between his earlier and later statements, combined with newly developed evidence, prompted prosecutors to upgrade the case.
Public court records show Westervelt was first charged with second‑degree murder without premeditation. On Thursday, July 30, prosecutors dismissed that count and refiled a first‑degree murder charge alleging premeditation. Westervelt remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on the murder charge in September.
The MCSO did not immediately provide additional comment beyond its public statement. An attorney for Westervelt did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Local outlets covering the case include WCJB and WESH.
If you suspect child abuse: Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1‑800‑4‑A‑Child (1‑800‑422‑4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll‑free and confidential; the hotline operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
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