Robert Cosby Jr., the 23-year-old son of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Mary Cosby, was facing serious legal troubles at the time of his death earlier this week. The Daily Mail confirms that just two weeks before his passing, Robert had been charged with two domestic violence felonies: aggravated assault and assault.
Domestic Violence Allegations and Arrest Warrant
The charges stem from an alleged violent incident in May 2024 involving a woman identified only by her initials, A.S. According to TMZ, A.S. referred to Robert as her "husband" and told police on November 23, 2025, that Robert allegedly attacked her after she flushed his drugs down the toilet.
A.S. claimed Robert "beat her about the face and head, and kicked her in the stomach" before allegedly choking her for approximately ten seconds, leaving her unable to breathe. She provided officers with photographs showing her eyes appearing red and swollen, a lump below her left eyebrow, and a visible red mark on her neck.
Legal History and Enhanced Sentencing
Due to previous domestic violence convictions, prosecutors indicated Robert was eligible for an enhanced sentence. The charging document lists Mary Cosby as a witness from whom officers received evidence. An arrest warrant had been issued for Robert in connection with these latest charges.
Robert's attorney, Clayton Simms, told People magazine following Robert's release from jail in November that his client "expresses deep regret regarding his prior actions and acknowledges that his past behavior demonstrates poor judgment."
Death Investigation and Emergency Response
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. According to 911 dispatch audio obtained by the Daily Mail, first responders were alerted to an unresponsive 23-year-old man who was not breathing.
Dispatchers stated that Narcan had been administered, and multiple police units were already en route to the scene. Authorities confirmed they responded to the emergency call at approximately 6:14 p.m., with firefighters and paramedics also dispatched.
Recent Legal Troubles and Incarceration
Robert's death comes just weeks after he was released from Salt Lake County Metro Jail, where he had served two months behind bars. He was arrested after violating a pretrial protective order by going to the home belonging to his ex-wife Alexiana Smokoff's family.
In November, Robert pleaded guilty to eight charges including assault, violation of a protective order, criminal trespass, violation of a jail release court order, and other offenses. Smokoff had filed for divorce from Robert in November 2025 and was granted a temporary restraining order against him last week.
Family Background and Television Appearances
Robert Cosby Jr. is the son of Mary Cosby, who has appeared on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City since its debut. Viewers of the Bravo series saw Robert appear on the show several times over the years.
During season four, Mary addressed learning that her son had secretly married Alexiana Smokoff without her knowledge 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.
Previous Legal Issues and Mother's Comments
Robert had a history of legal issues beyond the recent domestic violence charges. He was arrested in Utah in September on multiple alleged charges including trespassing and assault. Previously, in 2022, he was arrested for driving under the influence, at which time police said he did not have a valid license and failed to follow traffic laws. He later pleaded guilty to the DUI charge.
During part two of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City season six 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 acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, saying 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."
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives at NBCUniversal, which airs Cosby's show, and Robert's attorney Clayton Simms for comment. Authorities have not released further details about Robert Cosby Jr.'s death investigation.
