5 Shocking Facts About Robert Maraj: Nicki Minaj's Father, His Tragic Death, And The $150 Million Lawsuit Fallout
Robert Maraj, the father of global superstar Nicki Minaj, was a man whose life was a complex tapestry of music, professional work, and personal struggle. His story, however, was tragically cut short, catapulting his name back into the headlines for a devastating reason: a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred in February 2021. This event sparked a massive public and legal fallout that continues to be discussed today, December 21, 2025, as the final legal repercussions have taken shape.
Beyond his famous daughter, Maraj was a financial executive and a passionate part-time gospel singer who navigated a challenging personal life. The legal saga following his death, involving the driver Charles Polevich and a massive civil lawsuit, represents the final, painful chapter of his legacy and the ongoing grief of the Maraj family.
Robert Maraj: A Complete Biography and Family Profile
Robert Maraj was more than just a celebrity parent; he was a man of Afro- and Indo-Trinidadian ancestry who laid the foundation for his family's move to the United States. His early life in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, set the stage for a dramatic family history that would later be referenced in his daughter’s music and interviews.
- Full Name: Omar Robert Maraj
- Date of Birth: May 16, 1956 (some sources cite July 12, 1956)
- Date of Death: February 13, 2021 (Age 64)
- Place of Birth: Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago
- Ancestry: Mixed Afro- and Indo-Trinidadian
- Spouse: Carol Maraj
- Children: Onika Tanya Maraj (Nicki Minaj), Jelani Maraj, and Ming Maraj
- Occupation: Financial Executive and Part-Time Gospel Singer
- Notable Struggle: Documented history of drug and alcohol abuse, which led to domestic issues that his wife and children later spoke about publicly.
Maraj and his wife, Carol Maraj, moved to New York City to find work, leaving their daughter, Onika, to be raised by her grandmother in Trinidad until she was five years old. Despite his personal demons, which included a history of domestic violence due to addiction, Robert Maraj eventually sought treatment and reportedly mended his relationship with his daughter before his death.
The Tragic Hit-and-Run Accident in Long Island
The life of Robert Maraj came to a sudden and tragic end on the evening of Friday, February 12, 2021, in Mineola, Long Island, New York.
Maraj, who was 64 at the time, was walking on Roslyn Road when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver of the car did not stop to render aid or call emergency services, instead fleeing the scene.
He was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, February 13, 2021. The incident was immediately classified as a fatal hit-and-run accident, sparking a manhunt by the Nassau County Police Department.
The driver was later identified as 71-year-old Charles Polevich of Long Island. Polevich was subsequently arrested after police were able to track the vehicle involved, a 1992 Volvo station wagon, back to his home.
Police reported that Polevich not only struck Maraj but briefly got out of his car, looked at the injured man, and then drove off. He then drove home, where he hid his car in his garage under a tarp. This deliberate attempt to conceal his involvement led to his charges, which included leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with physical evidence.
Latest Legal Updates: Charles Polevich’s Sentence and the $150 Million Lawsuit
The criminal and civil legal proceedings following Robert Maraj's death have been the most significant and recent developments in this case, providing the latest updates as of late 2025.
The criminal case against Charles Polevich concluded with a controversial sentencing that drew national attention. In May 2022, Polevich pleaded guilty to the charges of leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with evidence.
In a move that disappointed the Maraj family, Nassau County Judge Howard Sturim promised Polevich a sentence of "no more than one year in jail" when he accepted the plea.
Despite prosecutors arguing for a sentence of one to three years behind bars, Polevich was ultimately sentenced to one year in jail in August 2022, along with a suspended license and a fine. This relatively light sentence for a fatal hit-and-run was a point of deep contention for the family and many observers, highlighting disparities in the justice system.
The $150 Million Civil Lawsuit
Parallel to the criminal case, Carol Maraj, Robert's widow and Nicki Minaj's mother, initiated a significant civil lawsuit against Charles Polevich.
- Plaintiff: Carol Maraj
- Defendant: Charles Polevich
- Claim: Wrongful death and negligence
- Amount Sought: $150 million in damages
The lawsuit, which was filed shortly after the accident, seeks to hold Polevich financially accountable for the devastating loss and emotional distress caused to the family. While the criminal case focused on the state's punishment, the civil case aims to provide a measure of justice and compensation to the victims. The ongoing nature of this high-value lawsuit ensures that the legal fallout from the tragedy remains a current topic of discussion.
Robert Maraj’s Complex Legacy and Family Reconciliation
Robert Maraj's legacy is intertwined with themes of addiction, recovery, and familial love, especially through the lens of his famous daughter, Nicki Minaj (born Onika Tanya Maraj).
Minaj has often been open about her tumultuous childhood, including witnessing her father's struggles with substance abuse, which led to domestic violence against her mother, Carol. This difficult period of her life deeply impacted her and became a formative experience she sometimes referenced in her music.
However, in the years before his death, the family dynamic had shifted. Both Nicki and Carol Maraj confirmed that Robert had sought help for his addiction and was in the process of recovery, leading to a reconciliation and a mended relationship with his children.
His wife, Carol Maraj, has since channeled her experiences with domestic violence into advocacy, establishing the Carol Maraj Foundation. The foundation's mission is to educate, promote, and assist in domestic violence reform and to disseminate information to help women in need, both in and outside of shelters. This work stands as a testament to the family's resilience and their efforts to create a positive outcome from their painful past.
The death of Robert Maraj was a profound loss for the family, but his life story—from a struggling father in Trinidad to a man who found sobriety and reconciled with his children—offers a complex, human narrative that resonates far beyond the celebrity sphere. The ongoing legal battle ensures that the memory of Robert Maraj and the pursuit of justice for his untimely death remain at the forefront of the public eye.
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