On Wednesday night, more than a week after 20-month-old Savannah toddler Quinton Simon disappeared from his home, police issued an update on the investigation.
They, along with the FBI, informed the family that the child is presumed dead. Additionally, Quinton’s mother, Leilani Simon, is the prime suspect in the case. No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed.
The child was last seen around 6 a.m. October 5. He was reported missing about three hours later. The Chatham County Police Department is leading the investigation, with help from several other law enforcement agencies including dozens of FBI agents and personnel.
On Tuesday, police said they seized evidence they believe will lead to closure in the case. It was not specified what that evidence was, nor did police speak to the media following the statement. A dispatch call obtained by WJCL sheds some light on what authorities were told the morning of Quinton’s disappearance.
Court documents obtained by WJCL show that the family was at odds before Quinton’s disappearance. The documents show that Billie Jo Howell, Quinton’s grandmother, attempted to remove the child’s mother, Leilani, and her boyfriend, Daniel Youngkin, from the home.
Billie Jo, Leilani’s mother, said in the document “They have damaged my property and at this point, no one is living in peace.” She added that she wanted Leilani and Daniel out “as soon as possible.” Documents also show that Quinton’s grandparents, Billie Jo and her husband, are the ones who have custody of Quinton and his 3-year-old brother.
Police say a search has been conducted of the home, the backyard pool and a nearby pond.