Two Arkansas parents were each handed a 70-year prison sentence for leaving their toddler to die in a hot car with three other children – in a case prosecutors labeled as one of the most “disturbing” they’ve seen.
The mother and father, Deja and Justin Rollins, learned their fate Friday after admitting they trapped their four children – ages 2, 4, 7, and 10 – inside a stifling car as they rushed their fifth child – a 3-year-old – to a Little Rock children’s hospital on July 7, 2024, the Pulsaki County Attorney’s Office announced.
Prosecutors said the 3-year-old died of severe malnutrition, prompting cops to investigate the state of the deranged couple’s other kids.
“This case is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking our office has ever encountered,” prosecuting attorney Will Jones said in a statement.
“Protecting children is the top priority of this office. There is no greater responsibility, and we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that those who harm a child are held fully accountable.”
Officials said Deja, 28, and Justin, 30, left their four kids locked inside the sweltering car parked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as their 3-year-old received “urgent medical treatment.”
Police responded to the hospital after receiving a report of child abuse and neglect – resulting in them finding the car outside the facility, despite the disgraced couple failing to provide authorities with the vehicle’s location, according to the Jacksonville Police Department.
The kids were each treated for heat exhaustion at the hospital, where the youngest tot, Jay’Dien Rollins, died of fatal heat exhaustion and severe malnutrition the next day.
Another child, who survived the harrowing ordeal, was also found with physical injuries consistent with ongoing abuse, prosecutors said.
Police allegedly discovered a malnourished dog at the unhinged couple’s home. The animal was taken into the custody of Jacksonville Animal Services, cops said.
The disturbed pair each pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and first-degree domestic battery.
“Thanks to the coordinated efforts of these dedicated professionals, we were able to secure a resolution that reflects the gravity of these crimes and ensures these children will not be forgotten,” Jones said.
