Former Food Network Star Ariel Robinson Found Guilty of Killing Her 3-Year-Old Foster Child
usmagazine.comAriel Robinson, who is best known for winning season 20 of Worst Cooks in America, has been sentenced to life in prison in relation to the death of her 3-year-old foster child, Victoria “Tori” Smith.The former Food Network star, 30, was found guilty of homicide by child abuse by a jury in Greenville County, South Carolina on Thursday, May 12.
After a four day trial, the jury deliberated for less than an hour and a half before returning their verdict, per NBC outlet WYFF.
Robinson’s husband, Jerry “Austin” Robinson, pled guilty to aiding and abetting homicide by child abuse last month, and is currently awaiting his sentencing.Us Weekly has reached out to Ariel’s lawyer and Food Network for comment.“We just want to thank everyone, from the police to first responders, the nurses, the doctors, [the solicitor] and her team, the jury, everyone, thank you guys so much,” Michelle Urps, a family spokesperson for Smith, said following the verdict.During a hearing in April, Jerry claimed that his wife beat Smith to death with a belt because she was frustrated with her, testifying that he saw Ariel holding a belt.
Prosecutors also stated that he was the one to call 911 when their foster child was unresponsive.According to authorities, Ariel originally stated claimed that Smith’s brother had “anger issues” and that he was the one who beat her.
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