A heartbreaking investigation is underway in Atlanta, Georgia, following the death of 4-year-old Cobee Cooks, whose body was discovered hidden beneath a pile of clothes inside a bedroom closet at a southwest Atlanta home. Two women have since been arrested and charged in connection with the little boy’s death.
According to Atlanta police, officers responded to a home on Cardinal Drive SW on October 26, 2026, to conduct a welfare check after a 911 call raised concerns about an unresponsive child. Upon entering the residence, authorities discovered Cobee’s body inside a closet, covered by clothing.
The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that the child died from multiple blunt force injuries and ruled his death a homicide. Court documents reportedly revealed that Cobee suffered extensive injuries, including damage to his liver and spleen, burns, cuts and broken bones. Investigators estimated that he had been dead between 12 and 24 hours before his body was discovered.
Authorities identified Jasmaine Smoak, 32, who was reportedly caring for Cobee and several other children, as one of the suspects. Investigators say Smoak left the residence with several children shortly before officers arrived. She was subsequently located and arrested in Wilkes County, Georgia. The children were recovered, and one of them, identified by family members as Cobee’s 5-year-old brother, was found with visible injuries and transported to a hospital for medical treatment.
Police also arrested a second woman, Jasmine Jenkins, on October 29. Investigators allege that Jenkins was involved in the circumstances surrounding Cobee’s death. Both women are facing serious charges, including murder and first-degree cruelty to children. Smoak also faces additional charges, including concealing the death of another.
Meanwhile, Cobee’s family is left grieving the devastating loss of a young child whose life ended far too soon. His grandparents described him as having a sweet soul, a fun spirit and a natural-born leadership personality.
A fundraiser established by the family is helping cover funeral expenses, medical costs for Cobee’s injured brother and other expenses as their father focuses on caring for his surviving son.
The investigation has raised heartbreaking questions about the circumstances surrounding the children’s care and the events leading up to Cobee’s death.
As the criminal case moves forward, two women face serious charges in connection with the tragedy. Cobee’s family and loved ones are left mourning a little boy who deserved the opportunity to grow up, experience life and enjoy his childhood.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cobee Cooks’ family, especially his father and little brother, as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
