According to Georgia authorities, the mother of the missing child Quinton Simon is the main suspect in his death.
Around 10:30 p.m., the Chatham County Police Department tweeted, “We are heartbroken to announce that CCPD and the FBI have told Quinton Simon’s family that we think he is deceased.” “His mother, Leilani Simon, has been identified as the main suspect in both his disappearance and passing. However, no one has been detained, and no formal complaints have been lodged.”
The 20-month-old was last seen a week ago in the early hours of October 5 at his Savannah, Georgia, residence.
No other information will be revealed until Thursday, according to the department, when more information will be provided in a press briefing at a time to be determined.
“We know that thousands of people around the world will be heartbroken by this news, and we share your sorrow,” the department added.
We are saddened to report that CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased. We have named his mother, Leilani Simon, as the prime suspect in his disappearance and death. But, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed.
— Chatham County Police Department (@ChathamCountyPD) October 13, 2022
On Wednesday afternoon, Leilani Simon, 22, was seen leaving her family’s Savannah home and then quickly coming back. Since her son vanished, she hadn’t been seen in public till then.
According to reports, the toddler resides with his sibling, his mother, her boyfriend, and his maternal grandparents.
Quinton and his 3-year-old sibling have Thomas and Billie Jo Howell as their legal guardians, according to WSAV-TV earlier this week.
“He’s just a baby,” Howell told the news station. “And I want him home, he’s just a baby.”
His babysitter also told the station she received an odd text the morning he went missing that she didn’t need to come to the house for work as expected.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5:29 [a.m.],” she told WSAV. “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she doesn’t work,” she said, reportedly referring to the children’s mother.
Later, she claimed, Quinton’s other family members called to inquire about her seeing him.
The police department had earlier on Wednesday stated that detectives will be going back to the house with a team that included search K-9s.