Arkansas Couple Charged with First-Degree Murder in the Tragic Drowning of 2-Year-Old Boy



In June 2024, a 2-year-old Arkansas boy tragically drowned, as reported by PEOPLE

Following an extensive investigation by the local police department, Annastacia Atkins, and her husband, Dakota Shawn Hays, were arrested on January 13, 2025, in connection with the boy's death.

Dakota Shawn Hays is reportedly the boy's stepfather, not his biological father.

Criminal investigators claim that Hays repeatedly threw the toddler into a pool while trying to teach him to swim, an act that ultimately resulted in the child's tragic death.

Police reports obtained by PEOPLE have uncovered further evidence of abuse, fueling outrage and demands for justice.


A Timeline of Events: What Led to the Arrest?

On June 14, 2024, law enforcement officials in Arkansas responded to an emergency call from Annastacia Atkins, 24, and Dakota Shawn Hays, 29.

This was after their 2-year-old son was found unresponsive in a pool at Hays' aunt’s home in Van Buren, Arkansas. 

When Hays was questioned by first responders, he claimed the boy drowned after slipping and falling during a swimming lesson. 

However, a 6-year-old girl, whom Hays was teaching to swim alongside the 2-year-old, gave a different version of what happened. 

She revealed that Hays had been repeatedly throwing the toddler into the pool and forcing him underwater to retrieve objects.  

Following the incident, the child was rushed to a hospital, where a CT scan confirmed his death was consistent with drowning. 

Further medical examinations revealed additional injuries, including multiple bruises and cuts on the boy’s head, face, and torso. 

These injuries were described as being in various stages of healing, suggesting prolonged physical abuse.  

When investigators confronted him with these findings, Hays denied harming the child.

He further claimed the bruising was the result of a fall from a countertop the night before the drowning. 

Hays claimed the incident was a “freak accident” and that he panicked. 

 “I thought it was a freak accident. I was scared because I’ve never been in trouble my whole life,” he said.

Despite his denial, crime scene investigators and medical experts concluded the injuries were consistent with abusive trauma.  

Additionally, a 4-year-old in the Hay's household reported that Hays and Atkins frequently hit the toddler with a wooden stick, corroborating the findings of repeated trauma. 

This information, combined with the autopsy results, led to the filing of charges.  

On January 13, 2025, over six months after the toddler’s death, both Hays and Atkins were arrested. 


Legal Proceedings 

After their arrest, both Annastacia Atkins and Dakota Shawn Hays were charged in connection with the death of the 2-year-old boy. 

Hays was charged with first-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a minor, while Atkins was charged with first-degree murder and permitting the abuse of a minor. 

Hays’ bond was set at $1 million, while Atkins’ bond was set at $750,000. 

As of January 15, 2025, Atkins remained in jail, while Hays was also being held on the charges. 

Atkins was charged even though she was reportedly not directly involved but evidence showed she did nothing when the 2-year old was abused.


Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately. 

You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.



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