Atlanta Police Find Deceased Child in Home
Officers performed a welfare check on Cardinal Drive SW, leading to a murder charge for a suspect arrested on Tuesday.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Child Care
Atlanta police discovered a deceased child inside a home on the 3500 block of Cardinal Drive SW following a welfare check on Monday night. Jasmine Smoak was subsequently arrested in Wilkes County on a murder charge.
Why it matters
This incident follows an official welfare check initiated by local authorities that led to the discovery of the child. The investigation remains active as officials coordinate between the site of the welfare check and the arrest location in Wilkes County.
Officers responded to the 3500 block of Cardinal Drive SW on Monday night to conduct a welfare check. Jasmine Smoak was arrested Tuesday morning in Wilkes County and booked into the local detention center.
The players
Atlanta Police Department
The local law enforcement agency responsible for public safety, criminal investigations, and welfare checks within city limits.
Jasmine Smoak
The individual taken into custody by authorities following the discovery of the deceased child.
The details
Atlanta police forced entry into the home on Cardinal Drive SW after receiving information that prompted a welfare check at the residence. Once inside, officers located a deceased child and emergency medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, though they were unsuccessful. Following the discovery, authorities identified and arrested Jasmine Smoak in Wilkes County, where she is now being held on a murder charge.
Timeline
Monday night: Atlanta police conducted a welfare check at the Cardinal Drive SW home.
Tuesday morning: Jasmine Smoak was arrested in Wilkes County.
The Home Front
This incident underscores the importance of the Georgia state child welfare reporting protocols in identifying high-risk domestic situations. It marks a tragic outcome following a welfare check, a routine mechanism used by local law enforcement to verify the safety of household members.
Families concerned about the safety of individuals in their neighborhood should continue to utilize local police channels to request a formal welfare check. Ensure you have the non-emergency contact information for the Atlanta Police Department saved to your household contacts list.
The takeaway
This case emphasizes the vital role of community members in reporting concerns to authorities to ensure the safety of vulnerable household members. If you suspect an emergency, always contact local emergency services immediately rather than waiting.
Further reading
Learn more about local support services in the Child Care section.
