Arkansas parents each served a 70-year sentence for leaving the toddler dead in a hot car along with three other children.
Mothers and fathers Deja and Justin Rollins learned their fate after admitting that they locked up four children, ages 2, 4, 7 and 10, in a stifling car, as they ran through their fifth child (age 3) on July 7, 2024. The Pulsaki County Attorney’s Office announced.
Prosecutors said the 3-year-old died of severe malnutrition, urging officers to investigate the condition of other children in the confused couple.
“This case is one of the most uneasy and heartbreaking things our office has ever encountered,” prosecutor Will Jones said in a statement.
“Protecting children is our top priority in this office. We don’t have any major responsibility. We will continue everything with our strength to ensure that those who harm children are fully responsible.”
Officials said Deja, 28, and Justin, 30, 30, left the four children locked up in a slow car parked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as their 3-year-old received “emergency care.”
Police responded to the hospital after receiving reports of child abuse and neglect. According to the Jacksonville Police Department.
The children were treated for heat exhaustion at the hospital. There, the following day, the youngest Tot, Jay’dien Rollins, died of fatal thermal fatigue and severe malnutrition.
Another child who survived the tragic ordeal was also found with physical injuries consistent with ongoing abuse, The prosecutor said.
Police allegedly found a malnourished dog in the home of an indifferent couple. The animals were placed under custody of Jacksonville Animal Services, officers said.
The disturbed pair each pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and first-degree domestic battery.
“The coordinated efforts of these dedicated professionals have been able to ensure resolutions that reflect the gravity of these crimes and ensure that these children are not forgotten,” Jones said.
