Two Arkansas parents were each given a 70-year prison sentence for leaving their child to die in a hot car alongside three other kids.
Prosecutors have labeled the case as one of the most “disturbing” kinds they have ever seen.
On Friday, Deja and Justin Rollins received their sentence after admitting they trapped their four children ages two, four, seven, and 10 inside a stifling car when they rushed their fifth child, aged three, to a Little Rock children’s hospital on July 7, 2024, the Pulaski County Attorney’s Office stated.
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Prosecutors revealed that the three-year-old died of severe malnutrition, and that prompted officers to look into the state of the deranged couple’s other kids.
“This case is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking our office has ever encountered,” said prosecuting attorney Will Jones 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.”
Police revealed that 28-year-old Deja and 30-year-old Justin left their four kids locked inside the sweltering car parked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital as their three-year-old received “urgent medical treatment.”
Cops responded to the hospital after receiving a report of child abuse and neglect, leading them to find the car outside the facility, despite the now-sentenced Arkansas parents failing to provide police with the location of the vehicle, as per the Jacksonville Police Department.
All four children were each treated for heat exhaustion at the hospital, where the youngest, Jay’Dien Rollins, reportedly died of fatal heat exhaustion and extreme malnutrition the day after.
Prosecutors said another child, who survived the heartbreaking ordeal, was also discovered with physical injuries consistent with ongoing abuse.
Cops also allegedly discovered a malnourished dog at the home of the now-sentenced Arkansas parents. It was taken into the custody of Jacksonville Animal Services.
Deja and Justin Rollins pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and first-degree domestic battery, and will be spending many years behind bars for the devastating act.
“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.
