The Clark County grand jury has indicted the parents of a toddler found deceased in a dumpster last month, as reported by KTNV. Diaja Smith, 23, and Jacoby Robinson, 24, were charged after their 2-year-old son, Jacoby Robinson Jr., was discovered near Lewis Avenue and 15th Street. They are facing severe charges, including murder and child abuse, after Smith initially reported her child missing. The arraignment for the accused is set for Tuesday.
Further distressing details emerged from the investigation as prosecutors, in court, revealed the extent of the suffering endured by the toddler. The prosecutors stated that injuries were found on nearly 100% of the child's body. The parents, who have given conflicting reports, became primary suspects after the grisly discovery. According to FOX5 Vegas, Smith told authorities her son went missing from a park, yet no footage corroborated her story nor could any witnesses confirm their presence there. On the other end, Robinson claimed to been in an on-and-off relationship with Smith and alleged that she had been previously abusive towards their son.
Delving deeper into the conflicting narratives provided by the parents, Robinson's version of events included witnessing Smith administer excessive discipline to the child. The morning before the toddler went missing, Robinson recounted to FOX5 Vegas that he had observed Smith beating their son, and that he had performed CPR on the boy at one point, forgetting to relay this crucial detail to detectives. He was also arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant for battery/domestic violence during the search of an address provided by Smith.
Video surveillance reviewed by authorities showed the couple leaving their residence at about 7:41 p.m. on June 7, the night that the boy was reported missing. Robinson, who denied knowledge of his son's death or location, stated they left to have a talk. A preliminary hearing for Robinson is scheduled in Clark County Justice Court on July 25. The tragedy of Jacoby Robinson Jr.'s death highlights the appalling reality of an abusive environment and the consequent failing of a system that should protect the innocent.
