Arkansas couple sentenced to 70 years after death of 2-year-old son in hot car
A couple from Arkansas has pleaded guilty to murder following the death of their two-year-old son, who was left in a hot car along with his three siblings.
In a statement, Will Jones, a Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney, said that Deja, 28, and Justin Rollins, 30, receiveed a 70-year sentenceafter pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree domestic battery.
This came after medical evidence confirmed the deaths of their two children, aged 3 and 2, were caused by severe malnutrition and fatal heat exhaustion. Additionally, a third child, 4 years old, was found to have suffered physical injuries.
It was in July 2024 when local authorities arrested the Rollins couple, responding to "a child abuse and neglect case" of a 3-year-old child who was taken to Arkansas Children's Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
The investigation revealed that the Rollinses had four other children, aged 2, 4, 7, and 10. Initially, the couple refused to disclose the whereabouts of these children. They were later located in a vehicle in the parking lot of Arkansas Children's Hospital.
A malnourished dog was also found at the Rollins' residence and was seized by Jacksonville Animal Services.
The result of investigation resulted in multiple charges faced by the couple, including five counts of Domestic Battery 1st Degree, 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.
The attorney described the incident as one of the "most disturbing" and "heartbreaking" cases they encountered.
"This case is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking our office has ever encountered," the statement read.
"Protecting children is the top priority of this office. There is no greater responsibility, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that those who harm a child are held fully accountable," he added.
