Charges Upgraded to Capital Murder After Arkansas Child Dies

Charges against an Emmet, Arkansas man have been upgraded to Capital Murder following the death of a 4-year-old girl who succumbed to her injuries days after being hospitalized.

James Richard Ivey, 33, was already being held on felony charges including Rape, First-Degree Domestic Battery, and First-Degree Terroristic Threatening. Following the child's death on August 30, investigators upgraded the charges against Ivey to Capital Murder.

Mother Now Arrested & Charged with Capital Murder

Authorities also arrested the child's mother, Tiffany Edwards, 28. She has been charged with Capital Murder, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Kidnapping, and Domestic Battery.

Recap of What Happened on August 26

According to the Arkansas State Police, the case began on the evening of August 26 when Hempstead County Sheriff's deputies responded to Southwest Regional Medical Center in Hope after a 4-year-old girl was brought to the emergency room by ambulance from her home in Emmet.

Medical personnel discovered the child had suffered severe injuries, including extensive bruising, lacerations, and electrical burns. Due to the nature of the injuries, the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division was called in to assist with the investigation.

READ MORE: Emmet, Arkansas Man Arrested for Severe Abuse of 4-Year-Old 

The child was later transferred to Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, where she remained until her death four days later.

Ivey was arrested on August 28 by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division, Hempstead County Sheriff's Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service following a joint investigation.

Hempstead County Sheriff: "We Owe It to Her"

Sheriff James Singleton said investigators have remained committed to finding answers since the case began.

Sheriff Singleton posted on the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office Facebook page,

A child lost her life. She deserved to be protected, and she deserved a chance to grow up and live her life. We owe it to her to pursue the truth and seek justice.

 

The investigation remains active and additional charges could be filed as evidence continues to be reviewed.

Deputies are expected to travel to North Little Rock on Thursday to escort Dovie Rockett's body to Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia, where funeral arrangements will be announced.

Please pray for this little girl's family and loved ones...