LAS VEGAS (TCD) — A 23-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly beating her 2-year-old son to death and leaving his body in a dumpster.
On the evening June 6, Las Vegas Metro Police Department officers received a call about a missing 2-year-old from the 400 block of South 15th Street. Officers began looking for the infant, and about four hours later, at 12:58 a.m., they located the child’s body inside a dumpster on the 1300 block of Lewis Avenue.
Las Vegas Metro Police said the boy was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Homicide Section detectives assumed the investigation and identified the boy’s mother, Diaja Smith, as a suspect in his death. She was arrested June 7 on charges of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon or tear gas, and child abuse/neglect resulting in substantial bodily harm.
KLAS-TV identified the victim as Jacoby Robinson Jr. His father, Jacoby Robinson Sr., was arrested on the same charges as Smith, as well as allowing child abuse/neglect with substantial bodily harm.
Robinson Sr. reportedly said he was homeless but often went to Smith’s apartment.
According to court records cited by KLAS, Smith told police she took Robinson Jr. and her other children to a park on June 6. Detectives, however, reviewed video footage from the bus and did not see the boy.
KVVU-TV, which also cites court records, reports Smith previously lost custody of her children due to a “domestic violence incident” involving her ex-boyfriend. Police reportedly said Smith “changed the timeline multiple times” about her history with Child Protective Services.
KLAS says she regained custody in May after about two years.
Detectives found surveillance footage of Smith pushing a stroller, but KVVU reports police noted in the arrest report that Robinson Jr. “was not observed moving while inside the stroller.”
Robinson Jr. reportedly had a brain bleed at the time of his death. Additionally, the toddler showed “signs of significant injury to the head, torso, and buttocks.” Another of Smith’s children also allegedly had suspected abuse-related injuries.
Smith denied ever abusing her children.
According to KLAS, police allege Smith likely used a power cord, whip, or belt to beat Robinson Jr. and the other child.
Both Smith and Robinson Sr. were denied bail.