Georgia child found dead; friend and housemate charged with murder

Police found Cobee’s body during a welfare check at a home in Atlanta. The warrant detailed that he had numerous other serious injuries, some in various stages of healing, suggesting a pattern of physical abuse. He sustained over 20 injuries, including cuts, burns, and broken bones.

“He was 4; he was just the sweetest little boy ever, always smiling, and he loved his mommy; both of them did,” said Cobee’s aunt to 11 Alive.

Jasmaine Smoak, 32, a friend of Cobee’s mother, was arrested after allegedly fleeing Atlanta with Cobee’s 5-year-old brother, Kayden, and two other children. She was apprehended near Augusta, approximately 140 miles away, three days after Cobee’s body was found. Jasmine Jenkins, 30, who was residing in the home with Smoak, has also been taken into custody.

Smoak faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, and cruelty to children. Jenkins is charged with murder and cruelty to children. Police allege Smoak inflicted “cruel or excessive physical or mental pain” through acts of hitting, burning, and beating.

The investigation began on October 26 when Smoak’s father contacted 911, reporting that she had informed him a child was unresponsive after an incident involving medication, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Cobee was determined to have been deceased for 12 to 24 hours.

Prior to the discovery of Cobee’s body, Smoak had left the home in a white Mercedes-Benz, transporting Cobee, his brother, and two other children. A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Cobee’s great-aunt to help cover funeral and medical expenses. Family members had previously expressed concerns about Cobee’s safety and attempted to intervene, including contacting authorities. Cobee is being remembered as “affectionate, playful, and full of energy.”