The arrests came more than four months after Celeste Jackson died following an attack near her Pulaski County home.
PULASKI COUNTY, Ark. — Three people have been arrested and charged with endangering the welfare of a minor after an investigation into the March death of 2-year-old Celeste Jackson, who authorities say was attacked by a loose dog near her home.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrests Aug. 4, more than four months after deputies responded to an animal attack in the 6000 block of Norman Road. MaKayla Jackson, 21, Earnest Jackson, 54, and Christina Hart, 41, were arrested in connection with the investigation. Authorities have not publicly detailed the evidence supporting each charge or explained the specific conduct they allege led to the child-endangerment cases.
Deputies were dispatched to Norman Road at about 6:25 p.m. March 28 after receiving a report of an animal attack involving a young child. Authorities said deputies and members of the Oak Grove Fire Department attempted life-saving measures. One deputy placed Celeste in a patrol vehicle and drove toward an ambulance that was responding to the scene, but the girl was pronounced dead.
Investigators said a dog believed to have been involved in the attack was later located with help from the Pulaski County Animal Control Division. The animal was taken into custody. Authorities said after the attack that DNA testing was planned as investigators worked to determine whether the captured dog was responsible. Officials have not publicly announced a final DNA result.
Celeste’s family told KATV after her death that she had been outside when a neighbor’s loose dog attacked her and dragged her into a wooded area. Her grandmother, Shawnda Jackson, said the family believed the animal had not been kept behind a fence or secured with a chain. The sheriff’s office later described the dog believed to have been involved as being in animal control custody.
The family also said loose dogs had been a concern in the Norman Road area before Celeste’s death. Shawnda Jackson called for stronger enforcement of animal-control and leash requirements, telling KATV that relatives hoped another family would not experience a similar loss. Those concerns were voiced while detectives and animal-control officials continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Relatives remembered Celeste as a happy and fearless child who enjoyed singing and dancing. A fundraiser organized by Shawnda Jackson said Celeste loved watching children’s programs including “Ms. Rachel,” “Bluey” and “Stitch.” The fundraiser was established to help the family with funeral and memorial expenses following her death.
The Aug. 4 arrests marked the most significant publicly announced development in the case since the spring investigation. The three defendants face allegations of endangering the welfare of a minor, but an arrest and criminal charge do not establish guilt. Publicly available reports did not establish whether they had entered pleas or retained attorneys who could comment on their behalf.
The dog believed to have been involved remained in the custody of the Pulaski County Animal Control Division when authorities announced the arrests. The sheriff’s office has not publicly released a complete account of how Celeste came into contact with the animal or announced whether additional charges or citations will result from the investigation.
Author note: Last updated August 6, 2026.