LITTLE ROCK, AR – An Arkansas couple has been sentenced to lengthy prison terms following the deaths of two of their young children, who suffered under tragic circumstances involving neglect and abuse. Justin and Deja Rollins will each serve 70 years in a state prison after admitting to charges connected to the deaths of their 2-year-old and 3-year-old sons.
On Friday, Judge Karen Whatley issued the sentences, combining terms for two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree domestic battery related to the mistreatment of their older child. Each murder conviction resulted in 30-year sentences, while the abuse charge brought an additional 10 years, amounting to a total of 70 years each without the possibility of concurrent service.
Originally facing capital murder charges, the Rollins reached a deal with the prosecution earlier this month.
The tragic events unfolded on July 7, 2024, when authorities responded to a report from Arkansas Children’s Hospital regarding a critically injured 3-year-old boy. The child, suffering from severe injuries indicative of abuse and neglect, required immediate medical attention.
Subsequent investigations revealed the couple’s other children, aged 2, 4, 7, and 10, had also been present at the hospital. However, the Rollins were initially uncooperative in disclosing their whereabouts. All four children were eventually located inside a vehicle in the hospital’s parking lot as temperatures outside soared to 92 degrees.
Police and hospital security teams acted swiftly, rescuing the children from the overheated vehicle. Despite efforts to provide medical treatment, the Rollins’ 2-year-old son, Jay’Dien, succumbed to heat-related injuries. In light of this tragedy, homicide detectives initiated a comprehensive investigation, leading to the execution of search warrants and the filing of charges.
While searching the couple’s residence, officers discovered a malnourished dog, which was later transferred to Jacksonville Animal Services. Charges related to animal cruelty were, however, dismissed under the terms of the plea agreement.
The Rollins’ sentencing closes a case marked by profound neglect and loss, underscoring the severe consequences of such actions upon vulnerable victims. As the community grapples with the tragedy, the judgment aims to deliver justice on behalf of the children who suffered irreparable harm.