Jacksonville, Arkansas – A Jacksonville couple has been sentenced to 70 years in prison for the tragic deaths of two of their children and the abuse of another. The sentence was handed down after Deja Rollins and Justin Rollins pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and one count of first-degree domestic battery. The convictions stemmed from a horrific case of child abuse and neglect that left their 2-year-old and 3-year-old children dead, while a 4-year-old child suffered physical injuries.
The heart-wrenching case began on July 7, 2024, when authorities responded to a child abuse and neglect report involving the couple’s 3-year-old child, who had been taken to a local hospital. Medical staff observed signs of heat exhaustion, which prompted an investigation into the family’s living conditions. Officers soon learned that the Rollins couple had four children between the ages of 2 and 10, two of whom had already died under brutal circumstances. The surviving 4-year-old child was found to be physically harmed, adding further gravity to the case.
Detectives discovered that the couple had left all four children in a car in the hospital’s parking lot, deepening the investigation’s severity. The 2-year-old and 3-year-old children died from severe malnutrition, a shocking revelation that underscored the extent of the abuse. The surviving child was found with injuries that indicated ongoing physical harm, leading to further charges against the Rollins couple.
Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones called the case “one of the most disturbing and heartbreaking” his office had ever dealt with. He stressed that protecting children remains the highest priority, stating, “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.” The investigation was bolstered by the assistance of local and state authorities, as well as health officials, who played a critical role in the prosecution.
The tragic events have left the community devastated, with many struggling to comprehend the horrific abuse the children endured before their deaths. The Rollins’ sentencing, while providing some closure, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child protection and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing cases of abuse.
This case highlights the vital role of law enforcement and child welfare systems in safeguarding vulnerable children. As the Rollins couple begins their lengthy prison sentences, the focus remains on the long-term healing process for the surviving child and the emotional toll on the community that will never forget the profound loss.
