New murder charges against Jacksonville couple accused of abuse after second child dies from injuries

JACKSONVILLE, Ark. – Jacksonville police say a couple accused of child abuse and neglect following an investigation in July now face an additional charge of capital murder after the death of a second child last week.

Officials with the Jacksonville Police Department said Deja and Justin Rollins face a second capital murder charge after their 3-year-old child died from his injuries Friday. The couple already faced a capital murder charge following the death of their 2-year-old child earlier in July.

Child of Jacksonville couple accused of abuse and neglect dies from injuries, parents charged with murder

On July 7, authorities said officers responded to a report of abuse and neglect of a 3-year-old child who had been taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Little Rock police noted that the child appeared to be suffering from heat exhaustion. After the incident, police said the couple was arrested.

During their investigation, Jacksonville police said they learned the couple had four other children, ranging in age from 2 to 10, adding that the couple had not cooperated in telling authorities where the children were. Police said the children were later found in a car in the hospital parking lot.

Police said the 2-year-old who later died July 8 was one of the children found inside the car.

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In addition to capital murder charges, Deja and Justin Rollins each face five counts of first-degree domestic battery, five counts of neglect of a vulnerable person, five counts of endangering the welfare of a minor, one count of animal cruelty and one felony count. count of obstructing government operations.

Court records show Deja Rollins pleaded not guilty to the new capital murder charge, but Justin Rollins’ plea status was not listed. The couple pleaded not guilty to the original murder charges. Both are being held without bail in the Pulaski County Regional Detention Center.

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