Little Rock daycare seized and license suspended after owner arrested in infant'death

Arkansas authorities seized operations at Hope Academy in Southwest Little Rock and the state suspended the center's childcare license after the owner, Hope Jones, was arrested in connection with the death of an infant reportedly left inside a hot vehicle.

The Arkansas Department of Education issued an emergency order suspending the daycare's license as investigators continued their inquiry. The arrest and charge against Hope Jones are criminal matters being handled by law enforcement and prosecutors: the report said Jones faces a charge of second'degree murder.

Why it matters: The suspension removes the facility from operation immediately while the state and law enforcement complete their work, affecting families who use the center and raising questions about oversight and safety at local childcare providers. A memorial has been placed outside the facility, underscoring community concern.

Catherine Rowley, the field reporter on the story, said a child was reportedly left inside a hot vehicle for nearly eight hours and that state investigators responded. "A memorial now sits outside Hope Academy, the daycare where an infant died after reportedly being left inside a hot vehicle for nearly 8 hours," she said.

What officials have said: The Arkansas Department of Education's emergency order suspends the childcare license while the investigation is active; the report did not include a public statement from the department in the audio transcript. Prosecutors have filed a charge of second'degree murder against Hope Jones, according to the report; no conviction has been recorded in the transcript.

Next steps: The emergency suspension remains in place as investigators and prosecutors continue their work; the report indicated the investigation is ongoing and did not specify a timeline for any administrative or criminal proceedings.

In Little Rock, Catherine Rowley, THV 11 news.