GhLinks Media
Police have said missing Georgia toddler Quinton Simon, who had been missing for more than a week, is believed to be dead.
Leilani Simon, the boy’s 22-year-old mother, was identified as the prime suspect in the case by the Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) on Wednesday night, however no arrests had been made or charges filed.
‘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.
‘We know that thousands of people around the world will be heartbroken by this news, and we share your sorrow,‘ police wrote on Twitter.
Quinton was last seen alive on October 5th at 6am and reported missing a few hours later.
Leilani shared the home with her boyfriend as well as Quinton, Quinton’s 3-year-old brother and Leilani’s parents, who have custody of the two children.
Leilani has not been charged or arrested, police said.
Police did not disclose any further details Wednesday night.
The Chatham County Police Department broke the news just hours after it brought search dogs to the family’s Savannah home for “gathering and analyzing evidence.”
Police announced the search for Quinton turned into a criminal investigation on Tuesday.
Leilani told 911 that she believed someone took her son from the home sometime before 9 a.m. after she woke up to an open door.
At 5:30 a.m. that day, however, she texted Quinton’s babysitter to cancel plans for the day.
In an interview with police, Leilani’s mother said she doesn’t know if she can trust her daughter.
“She hasn’t always done the right thing,” mother Billie Jo Howell said.
