Police tracked the suspect to eastern Georgia after finding the child dead during a welfare check at a southwest Atlanta townhome.
ATLANTA, GA — A 32-year-old woman was arrested more than 100 miles from Atlanta after police found a 4-year-old boy dead inside a southwest Atlanta townhome during a welfare check Monday night, authorities said.
Jasmaine Smoak was taken into custody Tuesday in Washington, Georgia, after Atlanta homicide investigators used license plate reader technology to track her vehicle to Wilkes County, according to police and the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office. Atlanta police said Smoak faces charges of second-degree cruelty to children and concealing the death of another. Authorities have not announced a cause of death or said what led to the child’s death.
Police responded around 7:20 p.m. Monday to the Aviary Park townhome community in the 3500 block of Cardinal Drive SW for a welfare check. Officers, with assistance from Atlanta firefighters, forced their way into the residence based on information received during the call. Inside, they found the 4-year-old unresponsive. Emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
WSB-TV identified the child Tuesday as Colby Cooks. Police said Smoak is a friend of the boy’s mother and is not related to the child. Investigators have not publicly explained why Colby was at the residence with Smoak or released details about the circumstances that prompted the welfare check.
Atlanta police said Smoak had left the residence with three other children before officers arrived. One of those children was injured and was taken to a hospital, according to police. Authorities have not publicly described the child’s injuries or explained how they occurred. The child was reported to be recovering Tuesday. Police have not released the identities or ages of the other children.
Investigators began searching for Smoak after finding Colby. License plate reader information led Atlanta homicide detectives toward Washington, a city in Wilkes County about 100 miles east of Atlanta. Wilkes County sheriff’s deputies then worked with Atlanta investigators to locate Smoak and take her into custody. Sheriff Darrell Powers praised deputies and Atlanta detectives for working through the night to find her.
Smoak was booked into the Wilkes County Detention Center. Atlanta News First reported Tuesday evening that she remained there awaiting extradition to Atlanta. Authorities have not announced whether she has an attorney, when she will make her first court appearance or whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
The investigation brought a large police response to the gated townhome community Monday night. Residents told local news outlets that officers arrived at the home and later placed crime-scene tape around the area. By Tuesday, neighbors had begun leaving flowers, balloons and teddy bears outside the residence in memory of the boy.
Police have released few details explaining what happened before officers arrived. The cause and manner of Colby’s death have not been publicly announced, and investigators have not disclosed a possible motive. The charges filed against Smoak are allegations, and authorities have not said that she has been convicted of any crime related to the boy’s death.
Atlanta homicide investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding Colby’s death and the injury to the other child. Smoak remained in Wilkes County custody Tuesday as authorities prepared for her return to the Atlanta area.
Author note: Last updated October 27, 2026.