Autopsy reveals 13-year-old Birmingham boy died of malnutrition, dehydration

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Birmingham Police say they are now investigating a homicide after an incident that happened on Saturday, March 2nd.

According to BPD, Birmingham Fire and Rescue (BFR) personnel were dispatched to an individual at the Extended Stay America at 101 Cahaba Park Circle.

Upon arrival, BFR transported the victim, 13-year-old Aston Starkey, to Grandview Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased by hospital staff. South Precinct officers and BPD homicide detectives responded to the hospital and launched an unclassified death investigation along with the Shelby County DHR.

According to BPD, investigations revealed that Starkey died under suspicious circumstances. Officials say that on Thursday, June 6, the Shelby County DHR notified the BPD Homicide Unit and revealed that Starkey’s death was the result of malnutrition and dehydration complicated by neglect. The coroner’s office ruled the manner of death a homicide.

On Friday, June 7th, homicide detectives presented information on the case to the Shelby County District Office and, after an evaluation of the information, issued a homicide arrest warrant for the victim’s mother, 43-year-old Serena Starkey.

Starkey is not in custody at this time.

If you or someone you know has information regarding the case, please contact the BPD Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crimestoppers at 205-254-7777.

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