An Arkansas couple is facing numerous felony charges after their 2-year-old son died from alleged heat exhaustion after being left in a hot car with three siblings outside a children’s hospital.
According to the Jacksonville Police Department, Justin and Deja Rollins, were arrested over the weekend and charged with capital murder for the death of Jay’Dien Rollins.
A press release by the City of Little Rock stated that police responded to a call on July 7 about a possible child abuse victim at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The victim, a 3-year-old, had injuries requiring “urgent medical treatment.”
The parents were detained for the alleged abuse, and police began investigating if they had other children.
“During the investigation, officers discovered the couple had four other children, ages 2, 4, 7, and 10,” Jacksonville Police stated. “At the time of their arrest, Justin and Deja Rollins did not cooperate in providing the location of the other children.”
At around 12:42 p.m., Little Rock Police were dispatched to the hospital after Jacksonville police reported four children trapped inside a vehicle in the parking lot. The temperature had reached 92 degrees that day in Little Rock.
Police found the vehicle and rescued the children inside; they were all suffering from heat exhaustion. They were taken into the hospital for treatment, but Jay’Dien subsequently passed away.
When investigators searched the Rollins’ home, they discovered a malnourished dog, who was taken from the residence by Jacksonville Animal Services.
In addition to capital murder charges, Deja and Justin Rollins face five counts each of first-degree domestic battery, neglecting a vulnerable person, and endangering the welfare of a minor, as well as charges of animal cruelty and obstructing government operations.
Both suspects are being held without bond in the Pulaski County Jail.
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[Feature Photos: Deja and Justin Rollins/Jacksonville PD]
