Family of Las Vegas toddler allegedly killed by his parents remembers boy’s sweet personality

Ozzy Mora and Linsey Lewis

29 mins ago

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The family of the 2-year-old who was allegedly killed by his parents and left in a dumpster is now trying to pick up the pieces after being left heartbroken by the tragedy.

Relatives told 8 News Now that the toddler was always happy and didn’t know he was in danger. Now they want justice for little Jacoby Robinson Jr.

His family remembers his innocent laugh and how he simply longed for hugs and love during what was probably his most vulnerable time.

“He was a sweet child,” LaSwanda Williams, the 2-year-old’s great aunt, told 8 News Now.

His great aunt and the rest of his family will never experience these precious moments again.

“He didn’t deserve it, he didn’t deserve this. He wasn’t scum, he wasn’t a piece of paper that you just pick up and throw in a dumpster,” Williams said.

The toddler was found Friday in a dumpster in the 1300 block of Lewis Avenue in downtown Las Vegas, hours after she was reported missing near the corner of Lewis Avenue and South 15th Street.

Police suspect Jacoby Robinson Jr. died Thursday before his mother, Diaja Smith, 23, allegedly threw his body in the dumpster near Lewis Avenue and 15th Street, documents show. Police arrested Smith late Friday on a charge of first-degree murder. Jacoby’s father, Jacoby Robinson Sr., 24, faces child abuse charges in connection with the case. His charge will be upgraded to first-degree murder, prosecutors said.

Smith told police she had not seen Jacoby Robinson Sr. in over a year and a half. In reality, Robinson told police he was homeless, but Smith allowed him access to her apartment.

“I just want justice to be done. I don’t want him to be another name and another child that is forgotten,” Williams said.

His great aunt said Jacoby was one of Smith’s five children. Police said Smith lost custody of her children two years ago and regained custody in May.

“Of the five children, he was the one with the best manners,” Williams said.

Williams told 8 News Now that she never noticed the warning signs.

“She told me the boys were fine and seemed happy, they weren’t crying and they didn’t look like they had been abused,” Williams said.

Williams told 8 News Now that two of the children stayed with her in Texas and she has now learned of a new factor in the situation.

“She’s pregnant again,” Williams told 8 News Now.

One situation at a time – Williams is still processing the events that recently destroyed her world.

When asked if she thinks she could ever forgive them, Williams told 8 News Now, “Yes, I could.” She said she could never forget what happened and is now focused on raising awareness.

“Report it. I think a lot of people know what’s going on, but they’re afraid to report it,” she said.

She hopes people will always remember Jacoby as the baby who just wanted to be loved and is still loved by his family.

Williams told 8 News Now that it had been about a year since she had seen Jacoby. Her brother, the boy’s grandfather, sat next to Williams during the interview with 8 News Now but was too shaken to speak.

Other relatives told 8 News Now they hope people will respect the family’s wishes as they mourn the loss of sweet Jacoby.

His grandmother also added that her grandson was a playful, fun child who loved eating Cheetos Puffs.