Daycare death under investigation; employee charged
Little Rock police arrested a daycare worker Wednesday and charged her with second-degree murder after an infant was found unresponsive and died at the scene, authorities said.
Police identified the suspect as Hope Jones, 62, and said officers were called to Hope Academy, 8212 Frenchmans Lane, at 3:12 p.m. Wednesday after reports of an unresponsive child. Emergency medical personnel responded, but the infant succumbed to injuries at the scene, according to a police news release.
Police said emergency responders were told of an "unresponsive infant" at the daycare.
Jones was taken to the Little Rock Police Department's major crimes division and interviewed; she was subsequently arrested and formally charged. The police release did not provide additional details about the infant's identity, the nature of the injuries or a motive, and investigators have not named other suspects.
- Location: Hope Academy, 8212 Frenchmans Lane, Little Rock
- Time reported: 3:12 p.m. Wednesday
- Suspect: Hope Jones, 62, arrested and charged with second-degree murder
The arrest raises immediate questions for parents, childcare providers and regulators in Pulaski County about safety protocols, oversight and licensing. Daycare centers in the city are regulated by the state, and any criminal investigation into a childcare facility typically prompts separate administrative reviews by the Arkansas Department of Human Services and county licensing authorities.
Local law enforcement did not release information about how long Jones had worked at the facility or whether Hope Academy had prior complaints. Officials also did not disclose the infant's age or any connection between the suspect and the child.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident location | Hope Academy, 8212 Frenchmans Lane |
| Reported time | 3:12 p.m., Wednesday |
| Suspect | Hope Jones, 62 — charged with second-degree murder |
Investigators with the Little Rock Police Department's major crimes division are handling the case. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue additional charges as the investigation continues.
For families who rely on local childcare, the case underscores the stakes of oversight and background checks for employees. Any formal administrative actions — such as license suspension or revocation — will be determined by state regulators working from investigation findings and legal proceedings.
Police did not provide further comment beyond the initial news release. The case will likely proceed through Pulaski County's criminal justice system, where a charging decision and pretrial steps will follow.
