2-year Old Boy Killed; Repeatedly Thrown in Pool to 'Teach' Him to Swim

An Arkansas couple faces severe charges following the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy who drowned during what authorities allege was a cruel attempt to teach him how to swim. The boy’s mother, Annastacia Atkins, 24, and her husband, Dakota Shawn Hays, 29, were arrested on January 13 and charged in connection with the incident, which occurred in June 2024.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by PEOPLE, both Atkins and Hays have been charged with first-degree murder. Additionally, Atkins faces charges of permitting the abuse of a minor, while Hays is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

A Devastating Series of Events

The young boy’s death on June 17, 2024, was the result of prolonged oxygen deprivation to his brain, authorities said. This occurred three days after Atkins and Hays called 911, reporting the child was unresponsive following a swimming session at Hays’ aunt’s home.

An autopsy later revealed chilling findings: the boy had suffered “multiple traumatic injuries” to his head, face, and torso. The injuries were at varying stages of healing, suggesting repeated abuse over time, according to an affidavit for a warrant of arrest filed on January 2, 2025.

The tragic day began with Hays allegedly teaching the 2-year-old and two other children—identified as a 6-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy—to swim. However, Hays’s teaching methods were reportedly far from safe.

Horrifying Allegations of Abuse

Hays told authorities that while swimming, he held all three children on his chest, grabbed their noses, and sank to the pool’s bottom before resurfacing. This alleged practice, combined with repeated dunking, left the 2-year-old vulnerable to drowning, according to the affidavit.

After taking a dinner break, Hays reportedly returned to the pool with the 2-year-old, while the rest of the family prepared for bed. About 45 minutes later, he came into the house and informed Atkins that “something was wrong” with the boy.

When Atkins checked on her son, she allegedly found his body freezing cold. His eyes were reportedly “stuck,” his arms locked straight out in front of him, and he was no longer breathing. Although Atkins attempted CPR, the child’s injuries were too severe.

Witness Accounts and Past Allegations

As investigators delved deeper, disturbing details of prior incidents of alleged abuse emerged. The 6-year-old girl told detectives that the 2-year-old had been repeatedly thrown into the pool by Hays, despite his fear of water. She also claimed that Hays would hold the toddler underwater, forcing her to dive to retrieve him from the pool’s bottom.

The 4-year-old boy shared a similarly troubling account, alleging that he nearly drowned after Hays threw him into the pool. He also accused Hays and Atkins of physical punishment, including being struck with a stick on his head, knees, and feet.

Atkins herself allegedly expressed concerns to authorities about Hays’s history of aggression toward the 2-year-old.

Legal Consequences and Community Outrage

The couple maintains that the boy’s drowning was accidental and attributed his injuries to swimming activities that day. However, detectives pointed to evidence of repeated trauma and abuse, leading to the charges.

Hays is currently being held at the Crawford County Jail on a $1 million bond, while Atkins is detained on a $750,000 bond. It remains unclear whether they have retained legal counsel.

The case has sparked outrage in the community, with many calling for justice for the young boy and his siblings.

A Tragic Reminder of Child Abuse Risks

This heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in identifying and preventing child abuse. Authorities urge anyone who suspects abuse to report it immediately. Early intervention can save lives and provide protection for vulnerable children.

If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit childhelp.org.