September 1, 2026

EMMET, Ark. — Charges against an Emmet man were upgraded to Capital Murder today because his 4-year-old victim died, four days after being hospitalized with critical injuries. The girl’s mother was also arrested and charged in connection to the child’s severe abuse and subsequent death.

James Richard Ivey, 33, was already in custody facing felony charges including Rape, First-Degree Domestic Battery, and First-Degree Terroristic Threatening. The mother of the victim, Tiffany Edwards, 28, was arrested today and charged with Capital Murder, Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, Kidnapping, and Domestic Battery.

The Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division (ASP CID), Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and U.S. Marshals Service arrested Ivey on August 28, 2026, following a joint investigation. The child died at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) on Sunday, August 30, 2026.

The investigation began around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, when HCSO deputies responded to the emergency room at Southwest Regional Medical Center in Hope. Medical personnel were treating the girl, who had been transported to the facility by ambulance from her home in Emmet.

The girl’s injuries included severe bruising, lacerations and electrical burns. HCSO requested investigative assistance from the ASP CID.

The child was subsequently transferred to ACH in Little Rock, where she remained until her death.

The investigation is active and ongoing. No additional details are available for release at this time.