Man With Special Needs Dies in Hot Car After Caretaker Allegedly Forgot About Him

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When most people think of hot car deaths, they probably picture parents or babysitters forgetting children in vehicles. But in reality, anyone who depends on a caregiver is at risk. This includes individuals with special needs, regardless of age.

A North Carolina man named Rogers Lee Inge Jr. is facing charges in the wake of a tragedy. He allegedly left a man in his early 20s with special needs, Dontarious Batts, in a hot car while he worked. Batts, who spent eight hours in the vehicle, was dead when Inge returned at the end of his shift.

Rogers Lee Inge Jr. of North Carolina allegedly left Dontarious Batts in a car while Inge worked at his second job.

The Johnston County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina received a call about 4:45 p.m. August 20, according to CBS 17. Inge, 55, told dispatchers he was responsible for the death of Batts, 22, who has autism and a nonverbal learning disorder. Inge allegedly took Batts to work at his second job as a janitor at Cleveland High School, WRAL reported.

He allegedly checked on Batts once throughout the entire day.

Inge told police he left Batts in the vehicle at 8 a.m. with the windows up and the engine turned off. Inge returned to the car to check on Batts approximately 10 a.m., and he appeared fine. Per ABC 11, the temperature outside in the area reached 81 degrees.

In 911 audio, Inge reportedly was 'distraught' and said he 'forgot' about Batts.

After Inge finished working at the high school, he returned to the vehicle at approximately 4:1 p.m., WRAL reported. That's when he discovered Batts dead. The 911 audio clip obtained by WRAL revealed that Inge was “emotionally distraught” and said, "It's my fault."

He reportedly added, "I didn’t think it was that hot today. I didn’t check on him. I forgot. I was working."

Now, Inge faces manslaughter charges.

Inge has since been taken to the Johnston County jail under a $35,000 bond, WRAL reported. He now faces involuntary manslaughter charges. Additionally, Inge is no longer employed by Johnston County Public Schools.

A GoFundMe campaign was started to help the family.

A GoFundMe campaign was created in the wake of Batts' death.

“We are heartbroken by the sudden and unexpected passing of our little brother Donte,” the message reads. “Words can’t express the hurt I feel writing this because it all still feel so unreal."

Thus far, the GoFundMe campaign has surpassed its goal by raising more than $7,000.