The parents of a two-year-old boy discovered dead in a dumpster are now facing further child abuse charges in connection with another child, according to the 8 News Now Investigators.
Diaja Smith, 23, and Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24, are facing seven more charges of child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm, according to records. The pair was initially indicted on a murder charge in connection with the tragic death of their son, Jacoby Robinson Jr., as well as a single child abuse charge involving a younger child.
Authorities are investigating a potential connection between Smith and Robinson in the tragic incident involving Jacoby. It is believed that on June 6, Smith may have disposed of Jacoby’s body in a dumpster located near Lewis Avenue and 14th Street. Smith immediately contacted emergency services, reporting that Jacoby had disappeared and had been taken from a park.
According to records, Smith and Robinson have a total of five children, including Jacoby and his two younger siblings. The Clark County Department of Family Services has documented three previous interactions with the family.
According to court transcripts, a Family Services investigator from Clark County spoke with Smith after she reported Jacoby missing and observed that the younger boy had injuries to his face and neck. According to Smith, the young child, who was not yet two years old, had an accident while riding a bike.
According to documents, the investigator informed the grand jury that the child had extensive marks on his body resembling whip marks.
According to documents, it is believed that Smith used a belt and power cords to assault Jacoby and his younger brother. According to documents, Smith refuted any allegations of harming the children and claimed that Jacoby had experienced a seizure the day prior to his unfortunate passing.
During an interview with the 8 News Now Investigators in July, Robinson denied any involvement and placed the blame on Smith. Robinson stated that he was attempting to devise a strategy to depart with his children, although he also mentioned that he was unaware of the extent of the abuse.
Check out the latest photos from 8 News Now! Investigators discovered visible bruises and scars on the bodies of both Jacoby and his younger brother. Prosecutors highlight that the boys showed no signs of injuries in photographs taken while they were under the care of family services in the months leading up to the incident.
According to prosecutors, Smith shared undisclosed information about the murder in a letter sent to Robinson Sr. from jail earlier this summer.
“I feel so bad because I feel like I wasn’t doing the same for you, I was just on autopilot trying not to crash,” a detective read from the letter to the grand jury, according to transcripts. “[Expletive], why didn’t I listen when I said no more whoopings when you told me to stop whooping the kids. I really hope you can forgive me. Love deep down I really do. I cherished every moment with you. I wish I cooked us one last meal. I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking right.”
According to Robinson, his two oldest children reside in Texas. According to the records obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators, Smith was able to regain custody of the three younger children, including Jacoby, in April.
Smith and Robinson are still in jail without bail as of Thursday. Their next court appearance is set for September 4th.