Quinton Simon Death, Obituary – Georgia Woman Found Guilty of Murder in Toddler’s Death. On October 25, 2024, Leilani Simon was found guilty of murder by a Chatham County jury in connection with the death of her 20-month-old son, Quinton Simon. This verdict comes just over two years after Simon reported her son missing, igniting a tragic and complex investigation that revealed horrifying details.
The case began on October 5, 2022, when Simon called 911 to report that Quinton had vanished from his playpen at their home outside Savannah, Georgia. Initial searches by local police and community volunteers yielded no leads, leading investigators to shift their focus. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley soon labeled Simon as the primary suspect, voicing concerns that Quinton was no longer alive.
Following the report, authorities conducted extensive searches in the area and eventually turned their attention to a nearby landfill. Over the course of several weeks, police and FBI agents meticulously sifted through tons of waste. Their efforts culminated in the discovery of human remains, which DNA testing confirmed belonged to Quinton Simon. During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence and witness testimonies over an eight-day period. The jury heard from various witnesses, including law enforcement officials, forensic experts, and individuals close to the family.
The prosecution outlined a case of malice murder, arguing that Simon had intentionally caused her son’s death and then disposed of his body in a trash bin. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours on Thursday before breaking for the day, resuming deliberations the following morning. By 2:30 p.m. on Friday, the jury reached a unanimous verdict, convicting Simon on all 19 charges, which included malice murder, felony murder, concealing the death of another, and making false statements.
The defense maintained Simon’s innocence throughout the trial, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to support the charges. However, the jury ultimately found the evidence presented by the prosecution compelling enough to deliver a guilty verdict.
This case has garnered significant media attention and has sparked public outrage and sympathy for the tragic loss of Quinton Simon. The investigation and subsequent trial highlighted issues of child safety, parental responsibility, and the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Leilani Simon is scheduled for sentencing in the coming weeks, and the verdict serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of such tragedies on families and communities.
