It is heartbreaking when the ones that are supposed to be the protectors end up causing harm and pain, especially to a child. 3-year-old Victoria Rose Smith's biological parents did not imagine that her adoptive parents, Food Network star Ariel Robinson, 29, and her husband, Jerry Austin Robinson, 34, to be responsible for her death.
On 14, January 2021, Victoria was found with multiple blunt force injuries. She later succumbed to her injuries.
After the incident came to light, the couple was charged with homicide by child abuse in South Carolina, according to Deadline. The accused foster mother was the Season 20 winner of Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America. She showcased her home to be "happy" and "complete" on social media. In one post, she referred to herself as the "proud mom to 4 beautiful boys" without mentioning Victoria, according to the Daily Mail.
Soon after she was charged, the Food Network removed the show from their archives. The couple is scheduled to appear in court on 12 February 2021 for their bond hearings.
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Meanwhile, the death of the child has caused great pain in the community. Her biological parents held an emotional funeral service for her, according to Deadline. The child's other foster moms too came in to bid their farewell to the little girl.
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Initially, the social service department had planned to lay the girl to rest without letting the family know when or where. However, the department was forced to mitigate its decision after the community raised its voice against it.
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The little girl was buried with all her favorite things. Her biological mother, Casie Phares placed her teddy bear along with a bunch of pink roses, carnations, and lilies. Victoria's former foster mom, Tiffany Huggins, on the other hand, sent her away with a mermaid.
The child's death had a profound impact even on the police officers that dealt with the case. Simpsonville police spokesman Justin Lee Campbell told People, "Police officers handle all kinds of cases, and these kind of cases can be the hardest for them to do." He added, "It is a sad day. You bring charges and maybe convictions, but at the end of the day the life of a child was taken. For anyone who knew the victim or was related to the victim, they are in our thoughts and prayers."
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The tragic incident has also sparked a discussion on the existing laws. A Change.org petition has been initiated to bring some reforms. The petition stated, "It appears from the start of them being in this home they were abused severely. It is apparent that DSS and CPS did not do the due diligence needed to truly safe, healthy home. Photos posted on social media appear to show the children always recovering from bruises on their head, neck, and arms. Most of them on Victoria." It concluded by saying, "By signing this petition for change you are saying fix DSS and CPS system so that our most venerable and innocent citizens don't go through what Victoria, her brothers and countless other's in the SC DSS and CPS are going through. "
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Start a petition of your own
References:
https://news.yahoo.com/adopted-sc-3-old-girl-191036379.html
https://deadline.com/2021/02/funeral-held-for-child-allegedly-murdered-by-food-network-star-1234689074/
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9236515/Worst-Cooks-America-star-tweeted-white-kids-privilege-killing-adopted-daughter.html
https://people.com/crime/worst-cooks-in-america-winner-and-husband-charged-with-homicide-in-girls-death/
https://www.change.org/p/south-carolina-state-senate-victoria-s-law-for-department-of-social-services-and-child-protective-services-reform?
