Alabama toddler’s heat exposure death now called homicide, police say

FLORENCE, Ala. — The death of a 3-year-old Alabama boy, initially believed to have been caused by heat exposure, is now being investigated as a homicide, authorities said.

Police in Florence responded to a call at the North Alabama Medical Center emergency room shortly before 11:30 p.m. Wednesday after the death of Kaiden Garner, Lt. Wes Gargis told AL.com.

Initial reports indicated that the child’s cause of death was possibly due to heat exposure, Gargis said.

However, an autopsy showed that Garner died from blunt force trauma, WHNT reported.

“Based on the evidence gathered thus far and statements made, we now consider this to be an active investigation into the homicide of 3-year-old Kaiden Garner,” the Florence Police Department said in a statement.

Gargis said no other details are being released right now, and police have not announced any arrests, AL.com reported.

Anyone with information is asked to call Florence Det. Bill White at (256) 760-6595, the Florence Police Department at (256) 760-6610, or Shoals Area Crime Stoppers at (256) 386-8685.   

Cox Media Group