New details have emerged in the investigation into the tragic death of an infant at a Little Rock daycare, leading to the arrest of the daycare’s owner on a murder charge.
The Little Rock Police Department announced that 62-year-old Hope Jones has been charged with 2nd-degree murder following the death of an infant Wednesday afternoon at Hope Academy Daycare, located at 8212 Frenchmans Lane.
According to investigators, officers were dispatched to the daycare at approximately 3:12 p.m. on July 8, 2026, after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant.
Emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to a probable cause affidavit, Hope Jones personally picked up the infant earlier that morning and drove the child to the daycare.
Investigators allege that after arriving, Jones accidentally left the infant inside the vehicle for approximately 8 hours.
The affidavit states Jones reportedly entered the vehicle at least once during that time but failed to realize the infant remained inside.
Police also allege that while carrying out normal daycare operations throughout the day, Jones failed to notice the infant was missing from the daycare’s headcount.
The child was eventually discovered unresponsive inside the vehicle.
Arrest and Charges
Homicide detectives and members of the Little Rock Police Department’s Crime Scene Search Unit identified Jones as the suspect during the investigation.
She was transported to the department’s Major Crimes Division, interviewed by detectives and later arrested on a charge of 2nd-degree murder.
Jones is currently being held while the criminal case proceeds.
Investigation Continues
Investigators have not released the identity, age or gender of the infant.
Authorities also have not announced an official cause and manner of death, pending findings from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory.
Police say the investigation remains active, and additional charges or information could be released as detectives continue reviewing evidence.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is encouraged to contact the Little Rock Police Department.
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