Authorities have announced that Quinton Simon, the toddler who disappeared in Georgia on October 5, 2022, is presumed dead. The Chatham County Police Department announced, "We are saddened to report that CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased."
Police have also named Quinton's mother, Leilani Simon, as the prime suspect in his disappearance and death.
Quinton was reported missing by his mother on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. Leilani and her boyfriend shared a home with Leilani's parents, who have legal custody of Quinton and his older brother.
The police department brought search dogs to the home the same day the news was announced.
Leilani initially told authorities that she believed Quinton had been kidnapped early in the morning on October 5. She added that when she woke up that day, the front door was open.
Police also admitted they aren't sure where Leilani is right now. As Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley put it, "I don’t know where she is currently today," but he added that the department doesn't think Leilani is a flight risk.
It's also unclear what the motivation behind Quinton's presumed death might be, or if his remains have been uncovered.
Leilani texted her son's usual babysitter at 5:30 a.m. on October 5 and told her she wasn't needed for the day. She reported her son's disappearance a few hours later.
The police department has yet to file charges, saying, "We only get one shot at this, we’re going to do it right."
The FBI will continue to work with the police department in the ongoing investigation.
