Army Sgt kicked girlfriend’s son out of car for 'misbehavior' resulting in boy getting fatally hit on highway
RUSSELL COUNTY, ALABAMA: An Army Sergeant has been charged with murder for allegedly pressurizing his girlfriend’s minor son out of a car on Sunday night, November 29. Austin Birdseye was allegedly asked by Bryan Starr to get out of the car for his “misbehavior” on the dark, rainy night. The 35-year-old accused told investigators that when he along with the five-year-old was traveling along busy Alabama Highway 165 near Fort Mitchell, the child became “unruly” and due to which he stopped his Dodge Charger over into the St. John’s AME Church parking lot at 944 Alabama 165 and forced Birdseye to step outside the vehicle.
But when the minor got out of the car, he was reportedly hit by another car on Highway 165 near County Road 24 at around eight in the evening. Birdseye was soon rushed to the Piedmont Columbus Regional hospital, but could not be saved and pronounced dead. According to Russell County Coroner, Arthur Sumbry Jr., the victim died at around 8:51 pm on November 29. Police have not charged the driver whose car hit the child. Authorities said Birdseye was not visible to the driver, who is devastated over the tragedy. Russell County Sheriff Heath Taylor said: “We have their information, and we’ve spoken to them, and will speak to them again, but at this point, there’s no indication that they had any chance of not hitting the little guy.” But police charged Starr - an active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Benning in Georgia - for his reckless disregard for the child. Authorities also said that the accused will be eligible for bond.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been started to get financial help for the victim’s family. The message on the page read, “I am writing this today in support of Christina, Colton and Austin and the loss of our wonderful light and love, Austin. Austin, unfortunately, left us on November 29, 2020. Austin was always the center of any impromptu living room dance party, the wonderful little boy who would chat about almost anything and with anyone in the grocery store, the one who knew all the words to every song. He was always loving and never let any opportunity pass him by to enjoy fun. We are absolutely devastated by Austin’s passing and are asking if anyone would like to help in supporting The Angel Fund of Austin to help in supporting Christina during this time. This year has not been easy for anyone to say the least, but I know the smallest support or donations would be nothing but appreciated and she would never be one to ask, so we’re here thanking everyone for any support possible. I’ve started the Angel Fund to collect donations for the cost of the memorial/service or additional financial costs that may incur. With love, we thank you all for all of your thoughts, prayers, and love during this time.”
At the time of the writing, the page raised more than $17,000 while the goal is $25,000.