LITTLE ROCK, AR—Nathan Bridges, 34, has been sentenced to spend 60 years in prison after admitting to the murder of his girlfriend’s 5-year-old son, Blu Rolland. The sentencing took place in the State Circuit Court, where Judge Danny Glover delivered the judgment.
Bridges confessed to drowning Blu in a toilet after the child bit his finger, which Bridges had inserted into the boy’s mouth. He received a 40-year sentence for first-degree murder and an additional 20 years for first-degree battery, with the terms to be served consecutively.
The case also involves Blu’s mother, 30-year-old Ashley Rolland, who is currently awaiting trial on multiple felony charges, including capital murder. Her charges relate to permitting child abuse, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, child endangerment, and battery.
The tragic events came to light on December 16 when Ashley’s parents contacted the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to assist in retrieving their grandchildren. Although Ashley brought her daughter outside, she initially claimed Blu was not in the house. The investigation revealed disturbing signs of neglect and abuse, leading to the discovery of Blu’s remains under the floorboards of the home, marked by a strong odor of decay. This grim case continues to unfold as legal proceedings against Ashley Rolland proceed.
