A couple from Arkansas faces decades behind bars after leaving their four children in a burning hot car in a parking lot. The couple's 2-year-old did not survive the ordeal.
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The incident occurred back in July 2024, although authorities charged the couple on April 18 this year. According to a press release by the City of Littlerock, Police initially learned of the couple after they took one of their children to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Per KARK, Deja Rollins, 28, and Justin Rollins, 30, reportedly brought their 3-year-old to the hospital, and staff made a child abuse report to the police. The child reportedly suffered from heat exhaustion, which prompted authorities to arrest the couple.
During an investigation, police discovered the couple had four other children, and they were in a car in the parking lot. According to a
statement by the Jacksonville Police Department, Justin and Deja 'were not cooperative' in revealing the locations of their 2, 4, 7, and 10-year-olds. Authorities eventually found the children. They were all suffering from what officers believed to be heat exhaustion.Unfortunately, on Monday, July 8, the youngest child, 2-year-old Jay'Dien Rollins, died of his injuries. The statement by the Police Department also reveals that authorities searched the Rollins residence and found a malnourished dog. Jacksonville Animal Services reportedly removed it from the house.
Another Of The Rollins Children Reportedly Died From Severe Malnutrition
A statement from the Pulaski and Perry County Prosecuting Attorney explains
the charges levied against the couple. Deja and Justin both reportedly pleaded guilty to two counts of Second Degree Murder and one count of First Degree Domestic Battery.The statement reveals that both a three and a 2-year-old died. Medical evidence says that both children died from 'severe malnutrition, with one suffering fatal heat exhaustion.'
Another child, a four-year-old, had physical injuries 'consistent' with ongoing abuse. Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones said, "This case is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking our office has ever encountered. Protecting children is the top priority of this office. There is no greater responsibility." Authorities sentenced the pair to 70 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.
