A Florida father who deputies said admitted to previously using a leaf blower on his infant son has been indicted on a murder charge in the child’s death, records showed.
Read more NFL returns with 2026 Hall of Fame Game: Here’s what to know for Panthers-Cardinals
Marion County prosecutors filed the murder charge on Thursday against 38-year-old James Westervelt, court records showed.
He had initially been charged in June with child abuse, according to the court records.
Read more USMNT bringing back Mauricio Pochettino on contract through 2030 after World Cup
Westervelt’s 6-month-old son died in August 2024, and the death was later ruled a homicide after it was determined he died from shaken baby syndrome, WESH reported.
He was charged with child abuse after deputies said video surfaced that showed Westervelt filming himself using a leaf blower in the infant’s face before his death.
Read more Man accused of impregnating 14-year-old in Miami-Dade arrested, records show
Westervelt remains behind bars while he awaits trial, jail records show.