Couple Sentenced After 2-Year-Old Dies From Heat Exhaustion in Locked Car

In a heartbreaking case out of Arkansas, Deja and Justin Rollins have been sentenced to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to the deaths of their two young children. The couple’s actions led to the death of their 2-year-old son, Jay’Dien Rollins, who tragically died from heat exhaustion after being left in a hot car for hours.

A Horrific Day at Arkansas Children’s Hospital

The tragic incident took place in July 2024, when the Rollins took their 3-year-old son to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for medical treatment. However, instead of taking proper precautions for their other children, the couple left all four of them locked in their car, parked in the hospital lot. The temperatures that day were dangerously high, and the inside of the car quickly became sweltering. Despite the extreme heat, the Rollins left their children unattended.

The 2-year-old, Jay’Dien, was later found unresponsive and suffering from heat exhaustion. Despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities confirmed that the other children, too, showed signs of heat-related distress when discovered. The parents initially refused to cooperate with law enforcement during their investigation, adding to the shock and anger surrounding the case.

The Investigation and Legal Consequences

Upon investigating the family’s home, authorities uncovered further signs of neglect. While a neglected dog was found in the house, no charges for animal cruelty were filed. However, the Rollins were charged with multiple counts related to the abuse and neglect of their children, including second-degree murder for the deaths of their two kids and first-degree domestic battery.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones stating that the office would continue to hold individuals accountable for harming children. The tragic deaths of Jay’Dien and his sibling have shocked the community, underscoring the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.