LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A Jacksonville couple was sentenced to 70 years in prison for the death of two of their children and the abuse of another child.
Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones said Deja Rollins and Justin Rollins pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree domestic battery.
The conviction stems from the deaths of their 2-year-old and 3-year-old and the abuse of a 4-year-old child. Officials said the two children died from severe malnutrition and the surviving child was found with physical injuries.
On July 7, 2024, authorities said officers responded to a child abuse and neglect case involving the 3-year-old who was taken to a local hospital. Police said the child appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion, which led to the couple’s arrest.
During the investigation, detectives said they learned that the couple had four children aged 2-10, who were later found left in a car in the hospital’s parking lot.
“This case is one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking our office has ever encountered,” Jones said. “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.”
Jones added that the local and state authorities and health officials assisted with the prosecution.