Quinton Simon’s mom arrested, charged with murder after human remains found in landfill

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (TCD) -- Police announced this week they arrested a 22-year-old woman over a month after her toddler was reported missing and presumed dead.

On Monday, Nov. 21, the Chatham County Police Department said Leilani Simon was taken into custody in connection with the disappearance and death of 20-month-old Quinton Simon, and she was transferred to the Chatham County Detention Center, where she is awaiting a bond hearing.

According to a statement, Leilani Simon was charged with malice murder, concealing the death of another person, false reporting, and making false statements.

Ever since the beginning of November, investigators searched through a landfill in hopes of finding his remains or evidence relating to his suspected death. On Nov. 18, searchers reportedly "uncovered what they believed to be human remains at the Waste Management Landfill site."

Those remains were sent to an FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia, which confirmed they were, in fact, human. Investigators reportedly sifted through over 1.2 million pounds of trash for the little boy.

Chatham County Police said, "The working conditions were grueling and hazardous, and searchers knew that the chances of finding Quinton were low. Historically, the FBI says landfill searches are only successful 5 percent of the time."

Police identified Leilani Simon as the "prime suspect" early in the investigation. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said officers did not arrest her right after Quinton’s disappearance because "we will only do that when we feel we have everything we need. We only have one shot. We are going to do it right."

In the statement announcing Leilani’s arrest, Hadley thanked the FBI for being "instrumental in solving this case and locating Quinton."

He also said, "I would like to thank the many people who showed their support for our department during this incredibly difficult and important investigation. We appreciate those who kept their faith in the system, who kept their faith in us and our investigative process, and for those who waited patiently for the evidence we needed to make sure Quinton has every opportunity to receive the justice he deserves."

MORE:

• Quinton Simon Case Arrest - Chatham County Police Department
• Chatham County Police Department Makes Arrest in Quinton Simon Case - Chatham County Police Department
• Georgia toddler missing for almost a week, 10/10/2022 - TCD
• Missing Georgia toddler Quinton Simon believed to be dead; mom named 'prime suspect', 10/13/2022 - TCD
• Quinton Simon case: Investigators sift through landfill as search for missing toddler continues, 11/3/2022 - TCD