UPDATE: Arkansas Man Arrested After Investigation Into Critical Injuries of Four-Year-Old Child

I am so sad to hear the 4 year child in this case has died. Hempstead County Sheriff's Office posted on their Facebook page,

At approximately 8:50 a.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2026, Hempstead County Investigators were notified by Arkansas Children’s Hospital that the four-year-old victim had succumbed to her injuries.

This is an ongoing investigation and more charges could be filed. Given the nature of this case, no further information is available about the child's injuries. Please keep the child's family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers....

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Original Story on Friday, August 28, 2026:

A 33-year-old Emmet man has been arrested following an investigation into the severe injuries of a four-year-old child, according to the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office. Before we get into some of the details, let me warn you: the alleged acts in this story are disturbing.

According to a post on the Hempstead County Sheriff's Facebook page, the investigation began on Wednesday, August 26, after the child was taken to Southwest Arkansas Regional Hospital following what was at first reported as a drowning incident. Investigators with the Hempstead County Sheriff's Office, working alongside the Arkansas State Police, quickly began examining the circumstances surrounding the child's injuries.

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During the investigation, authorities say evidence was uncovered indicating the child had been severely abused.

Pafford EMS later transported the child to Arkansas Children's Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

READ MORE: Arkansas Multi-Agency Operation Recovers 8 Missing Children 

As a result of the investigation, James Ivey, 33, of Emmet, was arrested and charged with capital rape, first-degree domestic battering, unlawful female mutilation of a minor, and first-degree terroristic threatening.

Hempstead County Sheriff's Office via Facebook

Ivey is being held at the Hempstead County Detention Center, awaiting his first court appearance. He is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff James Singleton said in a Facebook post,

There is nothing more important to us than protecting the children of Hempstead County. The allegations uncovered during this investigation are extremely disturbing, and our investigators have worked diligently to determine exactly what happened to this innocent child.

Singleton said investigators will continue working with the Arkansas State Police to gather evidence and pursue the case. He also asked the community and surrounding areas to keep the child and her family in their thoughts and prayers.

The investigation remains active, and officials say additional charges could be filed as more evidence is reviewed.