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In one of the most disturbing child abuse cases from Las Vegas in recent years, the tragic death of 2-year-old Jacoby Robinson Jr. has left a community grappling with grief.
It also raised questions about systemic failures.
What Happened in the Diaja Smith Case?
On June 6, 2024, police officers discovered the lifeless body of Jacoby Robinson Jr. in a dumpster near Downtown Las Vegas.
His mother, Diaja Smith, 23, and his father, Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24, currently face murder charges for his death.
Authorities allege the boy had suffered extensive abuse.
His body bore signs of physical trauma, including bruises and injuries consistent with beatings using belts and cords.
Smith reportedly called 911 the day Jacoby was found, claiming he had gone missing while she briefly turned her back.
However, surveillance footage contradicted her account, showing her near the dumpster with Jacoby already unresponsive.
The Role of Systemic Failures
Diaja Smith had only recently regained custody of Jacoby and his siblings in April 2024, despite a history of reported neglect.
Just weeks before Jacoby’s death, a passerby called 911, alleging Smith was seen physically abusing her other child near a bus stop.
Responding officers from the Las Vegas police department noted no visible signs of abuse at the time and closed the case.
However, subsequent evidence, including photos of injuries on the children taken after Jacoby’s death, revealed the abuse had been ongoing.
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| Diaja Smith at the dumpster where her sons body was found |
Why Was Jacoby Robinson Jr. Found in a Dumpster?
According to Las Vegas police reports, Smith allegedly placed Jacoby’s body in the dumpster after his death.
She initially blamed his death on a seizure.
The investigation, however, revealed a more sinister reality.
Smith’s actions followed a pattern of abuse.
Infact, evidence suggested she may have considered burning the boy’s body to cover her tracks.
The victim's father, Robinson Sr., admitted to witnessing Smith's abuse but insisted he didn’t realize how severe it was.
His failure to act during the critical moments after the alleged abuse puts him in legal trouble alongside Smith.
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| Robinson Sr. |
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| Diaja Smith |
Legal Proceedings and Fight for Justice
Diaja Smith and Jacoby Robinson face serious charges in the tragic case of their 2-year-old son, Jacoby Jr.
In Nevada, child abuse resulting in death is treated with the utmost severity.
Both parents are charged with open murder and child abuse resulting in substantial bodily harm.
These offenses carry potential life sentences.
As the legal process unfolds, the best criminal lawyers in Las Vegas are likely to be involved in this high-profile case.
Child neglect laws in Nevada hold not only direct abusers but also witnesses accountable if they fail to intervene.
This principle is the basis for Robinson's charges, highlighting law enforcement’s commitment to preventing passive complicity in abuse cases.
For more updates on the trial proceedings, stay tuned to our blog or subscribe for our free true crime newsletter.
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