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Arkansas Parents Sentenced for Child’s Death in Hot Car Incident

An Arkansas couple has been sentenced to decades in prison following the tragic death of their 2-year-old son, who perished after being left in a hot vehicle alongside three of their other children.

Deja Rollins, 28, and Justin Rollins, 30, entered guilty pleas on April 18 to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree domestic battery. This information was confirmed by Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones.

As a result of their convictions, a judge in Little Rock sentenced the couple to a total of 70 years in prison.

The Rollins were arrested in July 2024 when their 3-year-old was brought to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock for urgent medical assistance. At the same time, their other children, aged 2, 4, 7, and 10, were found locked in a car in the hospital parking lot. The youngest, Jay’Dien Rollins, tragically died the following day.

Local news sources KARK and KATV reported that the domestic battery charge arose from allegations of child abuse and neglect that led to the 3-year-old’s hospitalization.

“This case is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking our office has ever encountered,” Jones stated. “Protecting children is our top priority, and we are committed to ensuring that those who harm children are held accountable for their actions.”

Jacksonville police initially responded to reports of child abuse on July 7, 2024, when the couple’s 3-year-old was taken to the hospital. Hospital security alerted authorities after discovering that four other children were left unattended in a vehicle.

Authorities indicated that the couple was uncooperative in disclosing the whereabouts of their children at the time of the incident. Upon their discovery, all four children were showing signs of heat exhaustion, prompting emergency personnel to take them to the hospital. Sadly, 2-year-old Jay’Dien did not survive.

Following the incident, investigators searched the Rollins’ home and reportedly found a malnourished dog, which was subsequently given to Jacksonville Animal Services. Although the couple was initially charged with animal cruelty, this charge was dropped as part of their plea agreement.

In his statement, Jones expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and medical staff who responded to the crisis, highlighting their essential roles in the investigation. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of these dedicated professionals, we were able to secure a resolution that reflects the gravity of these crimes and ensures these children will not be forgotten,” he remarked.

If you suspect child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are confidential and toll-free. The hotline is available 24/7 in many languages.

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