Woman's charges upgraded to murder in 4-year-old's death – FOX 5 Atlanta

Woman’s charges upgraded to murder in 4-year-old’s death  FOX 5 Atlanta

Atlanta police have upgraded charges against a 32-year-old woman to murder after the medical examiner confirmed a 4-year-old boy found dead inside a southwest Atlanta townhome died from blunt force trauma. Southwest Atlanta authorities confirmed 4-year-old Colby Cooks died from blunt force trauma in a homicide. His 5-year-old brother remains hospitalized in critical condition with severe head injuries and swelling while their family gathers at his bedside seeking assistance. ATLANTA – Atlanta police have upgraded charges against a 32-year-old woman to murder after the medical examiner confirmed a 4-year-old boy found dead inside a southwest Atlanta townhome died from blunt force trauma. The Atlanta Police Department secured warrants charging 32-year-old Jasmaine Smoak with murder, aggravated assault and first-degree cruelty to children.

Smoak was originally arrested in Wilkes County on charges of second-degree cruelty to children and concealing a death. She remains held without bond at the Wilkes County Jail. The upgraded charges follow findings from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. Officials confirmed Wednesday that 4-year-old Colby Cooks died from blunt force trauma, officially classifying his death as a homicide. Officers originally discovered the child's body around 7:20 p.m. Sunday at the Aviary Park Townhomes on Cardinal Drive near Campbellton Road during a welfare check. Officers entered the home based on information from the check and found Cooks dead inside.