Man Modified ‘Power Wheels’ That Crashed, Killed 6-Year-Old: Warrant

By Zoe Strothers and Olivia Schueller, WFSB 3 TV staff

MERIDEN, CT — A man made a court appearance on Tuesday in connection with the go-kart death of a 6-year-old boy.

However, Steven Stolfi’s court date was pushed back to Nov. 12.

Stolfi, of Portland, was the child’s stepfather, according to court documents.

Stolfi was scheduled to face a judge in Meriden for two counts of risk of injury.

The boy, 6-year-old Adrian, died last April after the modified go-kart he drove slammed into a gate at Kronenberger Park in Meriden.

“I’ve just been grieving and taking my time grieving. It’s very difficult,” said Kali Warzecha, Adrian’s mother. “I’m at a loss for words six months later. It’s horrible and I would do anything to have him back.”

A 4-year-old child was also riding inside the go-kart. He suffered minor injuries, the documents said.

The documents showed that the vehicle had the shell of a Power Wheels toy but a gas-powered engine.

They said Stolfi made the go-kart himself and it had several defects.

Investigators said a Power Wheels toy is designed to go 5 mph. Stolfi’s modified go-kart could go up to 28 mph.

They said it lacked safety features like a seatbelt or a “roll cage” that could have prevented the child’s death.

“The go-kart’s blueprint did not include a seatbelt or roll cage. And to my knowledge, there are many that are sold for children without those,” Stolfi said.

Police said Stolfi allowed two children to ride a go-kart with severe deficiencies, a 28 mph top speed, and no protective measures on a city street where those vehicles were not authorized.

As a result, they determined that there was probable cause to charge him with risk of injury.

Stolfi and Kali say the go-kart was safer than police are claiming, and the gate at the park needs to be removed or modified.

“If he had crashed into anything, the kart had a bumper. If he hit this, he would’ve been fine. But the way that gate was designed.... if it was a full gate to the ground he’d still be with us today, and that’s what makes me so incredibly upset about it,” Steven and Kali said.

Steven is free on a promise to appear at all court hearings.

He and Kali are devastated, claiming they were blindsided when police informed them Steven would be arrested.

The couple wears necklaces filled with some of Adrian’s ashes.

“I don’t know what to think. I don’t know what’s going on. I just know I had no intention of anything bad happening that day. Whatever happens is up to God at this point,” Stolfi said.

“It’s just devastating. I appreciate everyone who’s on our side and with us,” Kali added.

Stolfi plans to plead not guilty. He’ll be back in court next month.

He is still looking for an attorney who can take his case at an affordable price.

Watch video of this WFSB TV story by clicking here.

(Editor's note: This story was reported and written by WFSB 3 TV staff and is reprinted in its entirety on Patch with permission).