Parents Sentenced for Kid’s Hot Car Death Outside Hospital While Other Child Died Inside

An Arkansas couple, Justin and Deja Rollins, have each been sentenced to 70 years in prison following the tragic deaths of two of their young children. Sixth Judicial Circuit Judge Karen Whatley handed down the sentence after the pair pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree domestic battery, according to court records. The charges stem from the death of their 3-year-old child, who succumbed to abuse and severe malnutrition, and their 2-year-old son, who died from heat exhaustion after being left unattended in a hot car. The couple’s 4-year-old child also suffered abuse, prompting the additional domestic battery charge.

Children Died in Separate Tragic Incidents

The heartbreaking events unfolded on July 7, 2024, when Jacksonville Police responded to a report from Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) about a suspected child abuse case involving a 3-year-old patient. The child’s condition was critical, suffering from abuse and malnutrition that required urgent treatment. Despite efforts by medical staff, the child died at the hospital. While investigating the couple, police discovered they had four other children, aged 2, 4, 7, and 10. However, the parents were initially uncooperative and refused to disclose their whereabouts. Authorities soon learned that all four children had been brought to the hospital with their parents but were left inside a vehicle in the parking lot during a scorching 92-degree day.

2-Year-Old Dies from Heat After Being Left in Hot Car

Security at the hospital, alerted by Jacksonville police, quickly located the children in the vehicle. All four children showed signs of heat exhaustion and were rushed into the hospital for emergency care. Tragically, the couple’s 2-year-old son, Jay’Dien, did not survive despite treatment and was pronounced dead shortly after. Following the incident, Little Rock police joined the investigation. Homicide detectives launched a full death investigation, executing search warrants and submitting a probable cause affidavit to the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Plea Deal Avoids Capital Charges

The Rollins were initially facing capital murder charges. However, they reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, accepting reduced charges in exchange for avoiding the death penalty. Judge Whatley imposed 30 years for each murder charge and an additional 10 years for the domestic battery conviction, all to be served consecutively. While searching the couple’s residence, authorities also found a severely malnourished dog. That animal was taken in by Jacksonville Animal Services. A charge of animal cruelty was ultimately dropped as part of the plea deal. This deeply disturbing case has drawn attention to the importance of child welfare and the devastating impact of neglect and abuse. With their sentences now in place, Justin and Deja Rollins will spend the rest of their lives behind bars, as the community mourns the loss of two innocent young lives.