A tragic incident in Johnston County, North Carolina has left a man facing charges of involuntary manslaughter after a man in his care died. Rogers Lee Inge Jr., 55, of Warrenton, N.C., called 911 to report that 25-year-old Dontarious Batts, who had special needs and relied on Inge for care, had passed away. Inge, who worked as a caretaker for Universal Health Care and as a janitor at Cleveland High School, recounted the events leading up to Batts‘ death to deputies.
According to Inge, he took Batts to work with him at the high school and left him in the car with the windows up and the engine off at 8 a.m. Inge checked on Batts at 10 a.m. and reported that he was fine. However, Inge left Batts in the vehicle until 4:17 p.m. When he returned, he tragically discovered that Batts had passed away.
In a heartbreaking 911 call obtained by WRAL News, Inge expressed deep remorse, stating, „It’s my fault.“ He tearfully admitted that he had forgotten to check on Batts throughout the day because he was busy working. Dispatchers directed Inge to a nearby fire station in Clayton, where deputies confirmed Batts‘ death and subsequently charged Inge with involuntary manslaughter.
Maj. Jeff Caldwell of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office indicated that investigators suspected Batts died due to the extreme heat inside the car. On the day of the incident, the temperature in the Triangle area reached 81 degrees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that when it is 80 degrees outside, the temperature inside a car can quickly escalate to dangerous levels, reaching 109 degrees within 20 minutes and 123 degrees within an hour. The National Weather Service emphasizes that a car’s glass can trap heat, creating a deadly environment even when the outside temperature is moderate.
Following his arrest, Inge was taken to the Johnston County jail, where he was held on a $35,000 bond. Additionally, it was reported that he was no longer employed by Johnston County Public Schools. Meanwhile, Batts‘ grieving family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover his funeral expenses, highlighting the devastating impact of his untimely death on their lives.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving individuals, especially those with special needs, unattended in vehicles. It underscores the importance of vigilance and responsibility when caring for vulnerable individuals, as neglect can have tragic consequences. As the community mourns the loss of Dontarious Batts, it is crucial to raise awareness about the risks associated with leaving individuals in hot vehicles and to prioritize their safety and well-being above all else.