JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — A Jacksonville couple, arrested for leaving four children unattended inside a hot vehicle on July 7, was charged with capital murder Thursday after a 3-year-old died from its injuries.
The Jacksonville Police Department said the child died on Sept. 20.
According to authorities, Justin Rollins and Deja Rollins parked their vehicle outside of Arkansas Children's Hospital (ACH), where the 3-year-old was receiving "urgent medical attention."
As officials investigated, they were informed that the couple had four other children, ages 2, 4, 7 and 10, who were unattended inside a hot vehicle.
ACH security asked Justin Rollins and Deja Rollins where the vehicle was parked, but they were "not cooperative."
Security officers eventually located the vehicle and removed the children, who were then taken inside the hospital to receive treatment as they appeared to be "suffering from heat exhaustion."
A day later, the 2-year-old child died.
Additionally, a search of the couple's residence revealed a severely neglected dog, which Jacksonville Animal Services seized.
During an investigation, detectives obtained an affidavit for capital murder for Justin and Deja Rollins. The two were taken into custody and now face multiple charges, including:
- Five counts of first-degree domestic battery
- Five counts of neglect of a vulnerable person
- Five counts of endangering the welfare of a minor
- One count of animal cruelty
- One count of obstructing government operations
This investigation is ongoing. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
