HOPE – The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding the ongoing investigation into the death of a four-year-old child who died as a result of injuries sustained in an alleged abuse incident.
Following the continued investigation by Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, and Agents of the Arkansas State Police, additional charges have been filed against James Ivey, 33, of Emmet, Arkansas.
Ivey has now been charged with:
Capital Murder
Kidnapping
Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
These charges are in addition to the charges previously filed in connection with this investigation. He remains in the Hempstead County Detention Center with a Two Million Dollar Bond on the previous charges, He is awaiting a first court appearance on the Capital Murder and other charges.
Additional Arrest
As the investigation continued, investigators uncovered additional information concerning the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. As a result of that investigation, an additional arrest has been made.
Tiffany Edwards age 28, the mother of the four-year-old victim, has been arrested and charged with:
Capital Murder
Kidnapping
Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
Domestic Battery in the First Degree
Edwards is currently being held at the Hempstead County Detention Center pending her first appearance in court.
On Thursday, Hempstead County Deputies will travel to North Little Rock to escort the body of 4-year-old Dovie Rockett from a mortuary in North Little Rock to Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia. Lewis Funeral Home will handle arrangements to be announced.
Sheriff James A. Singleton stated:
“This investigation has never stopped. From the moment our investigators were notified of the circumstances surrounding this child, they have worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and determine exactly what happened.
“The death of an innocent four-year-old child is a tragedy that cannot be undone. Our responsibility now is to ensure that every aspect of this case is thoroughly investigated and that anyone who is determined to have been responsible for this child’s death or the circumstances that led to it is held accountable under the law.
“These additional charges and this additional arrest are the result of information and evidence developed as our investigation has continued. Our investigators have followed the evidence wherever it has led them, regardless of who may be involved.
“I want to commend our investigators and the Arkansas State Police Special Agents for their continued dedication and determination in this case. This investigation has been difficult for everyone involved, but our commitment to seeking justice for this child and her family has never wavered.
“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 Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office will continue working closely with the Arkansas State Police and The Prosecuting Attorney as this investigation proceeds. Additional charges may be filed as evidence is reviewed and the investigation continues. Because this remains an active criminal investigation, no additional details concerning the evidence or specific circumstances surrounding the charges will be released at this time.
The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all agencies and medical personnel who have assisted throughout this investigation.
Sheriff James A. Singleton
Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office
Hope, Arkansas