Arkansas couple accused of abusing 5 children face murder charge after toddler dies
07/09/2024 4:34 pm PDT
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. (TCN) -- A couple accused of neglecting and endangering their five children now face a charge of capital murder after their toddler died in the hospital this week.
According to the Jacksonville Police Department, on July 7, officers responded to a report of child abuse and neglect after a 3-year-old child was transported to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Officers subsequently took the child's parents, Deja Rollins and Justin Rollins, into custody.
Police learned the couple had four other children, ages 2, 4, 7, and 10, but the parents were uncooperative and did not provide their location. According to a news release from Little Rock Police, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Jacksonville Police contacted hospital security, notifying them that the four other children were inside a vehicle in the parking lot. Security removed the victims from the car. The four other children reportedly suffered heat exhaustion and were taken inside the hospital for treatment.
According to Jacksonville Police, animal services also seized a malnourished dog found at the Rollins' home.
Justin and Deja Rollins were initially charged with five counts of first-degree battery, five counts of neglect of a vulnerable person, five counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, one count of animal cruelty, and one count of obstructing government operations.
On Monday, May 8, one of the victims who was left in the car, 2-year-old Jay'Dien Rollins, died. Justin and Deja Rollins now face a charge of capital murder in connection with the boy's death. Authorities did not say how Jay'Dien Rollins died but said the Arkansas State Crime Lab will perform an autopsy.
Justin and Deja Rollins remain held in the Pulaski County Jail without bond.
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