Quinton Simon, a Savannah, Georgia toddler who was reported missing on October 5, 2022, is now feared dead, police say. On Wednesday, Chatham County police, in a tweet, said they are saddened that the 20-month-old boy might no longer be alive, eight days after he was reported missing by his mother.
When Quinton’s mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon reported the incident, she called 911, indicating that her son was missing when she woke up. She informed officers that the boy was in his playpen before she noticed he was no longer there, Chatham Police Chief Jeff Hadley said in a statement.
Simon, the 22-year-old mother, is now considered a prime suspect in connection with the disappearance of her son. She is the first person to be named as a suspect in an incident that has been treated as a missing person’s case.
Court documents state that Quinton’s grandparents have legal custody and the grandmother was trying to remove Leilani Simon and her boyfriend from the home that they were sharing. Leilani also has a three-year-old that was living in the home under the custody of the grandparents.
When releasing the statement, police said that, “We have named Ms. Simon as the chief suspect in his disappearance and death,” adding that they are still collecting evidence and no arrest or charges have been made against her. “We understand that thousands of people across the world will be disappointed by this news, we share your sorrow, and we will do everything possible to bring this case to a closure.”
Authorities noted that all parties involved have so far cooperated with the investigative officers.
Speaking last week, Police Chief Jeff Hadley said that authorities have used all the resources available at their disposal to get a better understanding on what happened to the boy, and they have evidence that they believe might help with solving the case.
Hadley also noted that the boy’s biological father had been contacted; however, they don’t believe he is involved in the incident.
Police admitted on Thursday that they do not know the mother’s location, as she has disappeared.