Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., faced significant legal challenges at the time of his untimely death at the age of 23.
According to the Daily Mail, Robert was recently charged with two counts of domestic violence, specifically felony aggravated assault and felony assault. Additionally, an arrest warrant had been issued for him.
The charges against Robert stemmed from an incident in May 2024, involving an unnamed individual identified only by her initials, A.S., who referred to Robert as her ‘husband,’ as reported by TMZ.
On November 23, 2025, A.S. informed authorities that Robert, who was married to Alexiana Smokoff but faced a divorce filing that November, allegedly assaulted her following her disposal of his drugs by flushing them down the toilet in May 2024.
A.S. alleged that Robert assaulted her by striking her face and head and kicking her in the stomach. It was further claimed that he choked her for approximately 10 seconds, rendering her unable to breathe.
To support her claims, A.S. provided officers with photographs documenting her injuries on the day of the incident. The images showed her eyes appearing red and swollen, a lump beneath her left eyebrow, and a noticeable red mark on her neck.
Mary Cosby’s son, Robert Cosby Jr., had been charged with two counts of domestic violence two weeks before his passing – felony aggravated assault and felony assault earlier this month
Cosby Jr. is the son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby
As a result of his past domestic violence convictions, prosecutors said Robert was eligible for an enhanced sentence.
The charging document lists Mary as a witness who officers received evidence from.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives at NBCUniversal, which airs Cosby’s show, and Robert’s attorney Clayton Simms for comment.
Robert died on Monday at age 23. While an official cause of death has not been released, police initially responded to what was described as a ‘possible overdose,’ which later became a death investigation.
Salt Lake City police told TMZ that officers responded Monday night to a call for a ‘full arrest/medical emergency’ involving a 23-year-old male.
Firefighters and paramedics were also dispatched to the scene. Authorities have not released further details.
Additional details surrounding the incident have since emerged through 911 dispatch audio, obtained by the Daily Mail.
According to the audio, first responders were alerted to an unresponsive 23-year-old man who was not breathing. Dispatchers stated that Narcan had been administered, and that multiple police units were already en route to the scene.
Robert, pictured R, died at age 23 on Monday
Authorities confirmed they responded to the emergency call at approximately 6:14 p.m. Firefighters and paramedics were also dispatched. No further details have been released by officials.
Robert’s death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail after serving two months behind bars.
He was arrested after he went to the home belonging to his ex-wife Smokoff’s family – a violation of a pretrial protective order, according to People.
In November, Robert plead guilty to eight charges which consisted of assault, violation of a protective order, criminal trespass, violation of a jail release court order, and others, according to People.
At the time of his release, his attorney Clayton Simms told People that Robert Jr. ‘expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment.’
Viewers of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City saw Robert appear on the Bravo series several times over the years.
Salt Lake City police told TMZ that officers responded Monday night to a call for a ‘full arrest/medical emergency’ involving a 23-year-old male
Robert’s wife Alexiana Smokoff filed for divorce from him in November 2025 and last week was granted a temporary restraining order against him, according to TMZ.
During season four, Mary addressed learning that her son had secretly married Alexiana without her knowledge.
The wedding reportedly took place in August 2022 at a Utah courthouse.
Robert and Alexiana’s alleged struggles with substance use were also featured as part of Mary’s storyline on the show.
Robert also had a history of legal issues.
He was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges, including trespassing and assault.
He was previously arrested in 2022 for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws.
Mary has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut, with her family life occasionally featured on the show (Mary seen in 2024)
He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.
During part 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season 6 reunion, which aired in January, Mary spoke about her son’s arrest and time in jail.
‘I know he’s somewhere where he’s not using,’ she said. ‘Unfortunately he’s learning the hard way, but I’m okay with it.’
Still, she said, as a mother, ‘you don’t wanna see your kid suffer, but I know it’s good, and I’d rather him be there than dead.’
