John Caldwell:Couple charged with murder in death of son, 2, left in hot car, and endangering all 5 of their young kids

2025-04-29 22:35:45source:Algosensey Quantitative Think Tank Centercategory:reviews

Little Rock,John Caldwell Ark. — An Arkansas couple has been charged with capital murder after one of their young children left inside a hot vehicle died from apparent heat exhaustion, authorities said.

Prosecutors in Little Rock filed the murder charges Monday against Deja and Justin Rollins following their 2-year-old's death. They have pleaded not guilty.

Little Rock police initially responded to a child abuse report Sunday afternoon at Arkansas Children's Hospital, where the couple's 3-year-old was receiving urgent medical treatment, reports CBS Little Rock affiliate KTHV. The child abuse report came from police in Jacksonville, Ark., according to Little Rock city officials. The couple lives in Jacksonville.

Little Rock officials say hospital security got a call from Jacksonville police saying the couple had four other children, ages 2, 4, 7 and 10, in a vehicle in the parking lot. The children were brought into the hospital for treatment and the 2-year-old died the next day, Little Rock police said.

Besides the murder charges, Deja and Justin Rollins each face charges of domestic battery, neglect and child endangerment of all five of their children, as well as animal cruelty and obstruction, KTHV says. Investigators found a malnourished dog at the Rollins' residence in Jacksonville, just northeast of Little Rock, KTHV added.

Online court records didn't list an attorney for the couple. The county public defender didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

The couple was being held without bond Tuesday. Prosecutors haven't said whether they'll seek the death penalty.

More:reviews

Recommend

Federal agencies are reeling from Trump administration cuts to government

Whether a "chainsaw," per Elon Musk, or "scalpel," as President Trump has said — the Trump administr

Man throws flaming liquid on New York City subway, burns fellow rider

NEW YORK (AP) — A man set a cup of liquid on fire and tossed it at fellow subway rider in New York C

New York's A Book Place: Meet the charming bookstore that also hosts candle magic workshops

Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community,