October 25, 2025
Caregiver Sentenced In Death Of Special Needs Client Left In Hot Vehicle
JOHNSTON COUNTY — A caregiver has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the tragic death of Dontarius Batts, a 22-year-old autistic man left unattended in a hot vehicle.
Rogers Lee Inge of Warrenton, NC, was a full-time caregiver responsible for Batts’ care at the time of the incident. On August 20, 2024, Inge left Batts inside a minivan—with the windows rolled up and engine off—while he worked a second job, a custodial shift at Cleveland High School. Batts remained in the vehicle from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., when Inge returned to find him deceased.
An autopsy confirmed Batts died from hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, on the hot summer day.
Inge pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Vince Rozier, acknowledging the aggravating factor of abusing a position of trust. He was sentenced to an aggravated prison term ranging from 18 to 31 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
Assistant District Attorney Hannah Manning prosecuted the case. “This was a tragic and preventable crime that resulted in the death of a truly innocent human being. Our deepest sympathies are with the family of Dontarius Batts.”
District Attorney Jason Waller added, “This was a senseless tragedy that could have been avoided. Thank you to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the crime. Our thoughts are with the family of the victim, and we hope today was an important step in their grieving process.”
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7 Comments
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18 – 31 months for killing a young man that could not car for himself??????? …. Seriously, this man should never see the light of day again! So injustice for his family and loved ones. There are some major issues with the justice system.
car for himself….. huh ?
Couldn’t agree more, but then someone with a little w33d charge gets more time. This man was negligent, uncaring and that poor young man suffered a slow horrible death
Hey judge !! Why so little jail time ?????
Get more time if it were drugs
That’s ridiculous he gets less jail time..
This tragedy could of been avoided.
My condolences and prayers are for the family. He shouldn’t work as a caregiver or in the school system ever again. Joco make it make sense. The family should pursue legal action against him because their loved ones was In his care h*ll should go after the company he worked as the caregiver. The family should at least something since it was his fault. Even though it can’t bring him back . That will show that the family will stand together and make sure he gets the justice he needs. I don’t care if he pled guilty h*ll he should got more time. Innocent man life was taking for no reason
Was it because the male was a young male with austim either way it’s dead wrong. Still should get penalized for the crime that was committed. That’s my opinion on the subject.
Literally heartbreaking to read and watch on the news
Criminals in joco literally getting away with murder and everything here lately