ANNASTACIA GRACE ATKINS | Complicit Mom and Stepdad Accused of Repeatedly Throwing 2-Year-Old Boy into Pool to Teach Him to Swim Charged with Murder After Drowning | Autographed Letter Signed

Annastacia Atkins. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). NW Arkansas, AR. February 11, 2025. Content unknown. SEALED.

Tragedy in Crawford County: The Case of Annastacia Grace Atkins

Annastacia Grace Atkins, born on May 12, 2001, in Van Buren, Arkansas, found herself at the center of a harrowing criminal case in late 2024. At the age of 24, she was residing in Crawford County, Arkansas, when a tragic incident led to her arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

Details about Atkins' early life remain sparse, with limited public records regarding her family background, education, or employment history. However, it is known that she was in a relationship with Dakota Shawn Hays, aged 29, and together they were responsible for the care of multiple children.

On September 11, 2024, emergency responders were called to Atkins' residence following the drowning of a 2-year-old boy, Daxton Ray Bull. under her supervision. Initial reports suggested the child had been learning to swim when the incident occurred. However, further investigations unveiled a pattern of abuse. Witnesses, including other children in the household, recounted that Hays had been "throwing" the toddler into the water despite his protests and had even forced him to retrieve objects from the bottom of the pool. These accounts also implicated Atkins, noting that both she and Hays administered physical punishments, such as hitting the child with a wooden stick on various parts of his body. An autopsy conducted on October 14, 2024, confirmed the child's death resulted from prolonged oxygen deprivation to the brain and revealed severe injuries consistent with abusive trauma, including extensive head and facial contusions and abrasions in different stages of healing.

In light of these findings, arrest warrants were issued. Atkins was charged with first-degree murder and permitting the abuse of a minor, while Hays faced charges of first-degree murder and endangering the welfare of a minor. Atkins' bond was set at $750,000, and Hays' at $1,000,000. As of February 2025, both awaited trial, with court proceedings ongoing.

Obituary

Daxton Ray Bull 2, of Van Buren passed away June 17, 2024. He is survived by his mother Annastacia Atkins of Van Buren; father John Bull III of Van Buren; paternal grandmother Angie Bull; great-grandmother Mary Carson of Van Buren; two aunts Angel Workman and Presley Sosebee; uncle Jason Henderson; his special friends Easton Collingsworth and Lyrah White.

The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the unsettling details of the case. Media coverage was extensive, prompting discussions about child welfare and the responsibilities of caregivers. While no specific legislative changes have been reported, the incident has heightened awareness and may influence future policies related to child protection.

Currently, Atkins remains incarcerated, with no public records indicating participation in rehabilitation programs. The severity of the charges suggests a lengthy legal process ahead, and the community remains vigilant regarding the outcomes and any potential implications for child welfare practices.

This case underscores the critical importance of vigilance in child welfare and the need for robust support systems to prevent similar tragedies. It serves as a somber reminder of the profound impact that caregivers have on the well-being of children and the dire consequences when that trust is violated.

Given the notoriety of the case, items bearing Atkins' autograph have become rare collectibles, sought after by true crime enthusiasts and collectors for their unique connection to this tragic event.

VIDEO: 2-Year-Old Killed After Being Thrown in Pool Repeatedly: Police | https://youtu.be/4wRNqXyvv3w

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