The missing Georgia toddler Quinton Simon, who has been missing for more than a week, is presumed dead, according to police.
The Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) identified Leilani Simon, the boy’s 22-year-old mother, as the principal suspect in the case on Wednesday night; however, no arrests or charges had been made at that time.
‘We regret to inform you that the CCPD and FBI have informed the family of Quinton Simon that we believe he is deceased. His mother, Leilani Simon, has been identified as the key suspect in his disappearance and death.
The police remarked on Twitter, “We recognize that thousands of people throughout the world will be devastated by this news, and we share your sadness.”
Quinton was last seen alive on October 5 at 6:00 a.m., and his disappearance was reported a few hours later.
Quinton Simon, a 20-month-old toddler who has been missing from his home in Savannah, Georgia since October 5, is considered dead, according to police.
Police have identified his 22-year-old mother, Leilani Simon, as the “primary suspect,” but no charges have yet been filed.
‘We regret to inform you that the CCPD and FBI have informed the family of Quinton Simon that we believe he is deceased. We have identified his mother, Leilani Simon, as the primary suspect in his disappearance and death,’ police tweeted on Wednesday evening.
His mother stated that when she awoke, she could not locate her child.
Danny Youngkin, her fiancé, said authorities he had last seen the child at 6 a.m.
Previously, Savannah, Georgia police stated that they were investigating the boy’s disappearance as a criminal matter and not as a case of a missing person.
Diana McCarta, one of Quinton’s babysitters, reported receiving a text message at 5:30 a.m. stating she was not required to watch him that day.
McCarta received a text message from Quinton’s grandmother inquiring whether she had seen the 20-month-old toddler later that morning.
Savannah, Georgia, police stated that they were investigating the disappearance of the youngster as a criminal matter and no longer as a missing person’s investigation.
Quinton was last seen alive at 6 a.m. on October 5 and was reported missing a few hours later.
McCarta received a text at 9:00 a.m. asking, “Have you seen Quinton?” “I immediately go to their home and attempt to assist them in their search, but they refused my assistance. So I had just been waiting around like everyone else.’
At 9 a.m., the police were then notified that Quinton was missing.
Since then, dumpsters, drains, and ponds have been investigated beside Simon’s home as part of a huge investigation including local police and the FBI.
The authorities are analyzing data from Quinton’s cell phone and have established that his disappearance is a criminal inquiry.
Wednesday, sniffer dogs accompanied investigators back to the residence, and Chatham County Police will provide an update on Thursday.
Billie Jo Howell, 45, was caught yelling at Quinton’s babysitter that he is “still alive” after the babysitter expressed worries online.
Diana McCarta, Quinton’s babysitter, claims she received a ‘strange’ text from his stepfather the morning he left, informing her that she did not need to care for him that day.
Billie Jo Howell, the grandmother of Quinton, had legal custody of the toddler and his sibling. She had a strained relationship with his mother and had kicked her out of the house.
McCarta, the family’s babysitter, has been vociferous about the child’s abduction, constantly speaking to the media and stating that child services was connected with the family.
Tuesday night, the boy’s grandmother raced into her residence to confront her, claiming she had “overstepped” and insisting that he is uninjured.
“My child is alive!” My child is still alive!’ she said to McCarta while being shot on a cellphone.
Quinton is photographed with his mother Leilani, stepfather Danny Youngkin, and another small kid. They lost legal custody of him for reasons that are unknown. His grandma was caring for him, but Leilani and Danny were the ones who reported him missing.
The state had ordered Leilani, the boy’s 22-year-old mother, to begin paying child support.
The grandmother of Quinton has a significant criminal record.
Her 18 prior arrests include charges for grand theft by unauthorized use of credit cards, prostitution, burglary, driving with a suspended license, possession of cocaine, possession of cannabis, assault, violence, and fraud.
Billie Jo stated before that her daughter Leilani “didn’t always do the right thing.”
A week before Quinton went missing, the state ordered Leilani to pay child support for the boys.
Beginning on November 1st, she must pay $150 for the two sons. Documentation revealed that if one ‘died,’ she would owe $50 less.
Leilani has not made any public statements since the disappearance of her son.