PHOTO: JACKSONVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT ARKANSAS FACEBOOK
An Arkansas couple, Justin and Deja Rollins, has been charged with murder after their 2-year-old son died, allegedly left in a hot car along with three of their other children, according to authorities.
The incident came to light when police in Jacksonville, Arkansas, responded to a report of child abuse on Sunday, July 7. The couple’s 3-year-old child had been taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for urgent medical treatment. Following this, Justin and Deja Rollins were arrested.
During the investigation, Jacksonville police discovered that the couple’s other four children, aged 2, 4, 7, and 10, were locked in a car in the hospital parking lot. The parents were allegedly “not cooperative in providing the location” of their remaining children, according to the police department.
A news release from the city of Little Rock detailed that the city’s police department was dispatched to the hospital where the other four children were suffering from heat exhaustion. Tragically, the youngest child, Jay’Dien Rollins, died the next day, told Fox 59.
In addition to the charge of capital murder, Justin and Deja Rollins are facing multiple other charges. These include five counts of domestic battery, five counts of neglect, five counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, one count of obstructing government operations, and one count of animal cruelty. The animal cruelty charge stems from the discovery of a malnourished dog at the couple’s home during a police search.
It is not immediately clear if either Justin or Deja has entered pleas or retained an attorney. Both are currently in custody in Pulaski County and have been denied bond, according to jail records.
The case has shocked the local community, highlighting the severe dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during the hot summer months. As the legal proceedings continue, authorities and child welfare advocates are stressing the importance of vigilance and the severe consequences of neglect.
If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
