Quinton Simon - latest: Missing toddler’s mother complains of ‘harassment’ after being named prime suspect
Missing toddler Quinton Simon’s mother has insisted she is “not hiding” as she’s considered the only suspect in his disappearance and presumed death.
Leilani Simon spoke to WTOC for her first interview since 20-month-old Quinton was reported missing more than two weeks ago from his home in Savannah on the morning of 5 October.
“I’m here. I’ve been here every day since this. I’m not running and I’m not hiding,” Ms Simon told the outlet. “And if something does come up that I am at fault, I will take myself to that police station.”
Last week, Chatham County police announced that they believe the toddler - who is feared dead - is somewhere buried in a landfill, where an exhaustive search is underway.
Ms Simon has been labeled the “prime suspect” in the case, but has not been arrested or charged.
Speaking to WTOC, she complained that she’s been subjected to constant harassment and no longer feels safe at her home.
Key Points
Quinton Simon’s mother seen out drinking at bar amid landfill search
Search for Quinton Simon focuses on landfill
Quinton Simon’s babysitter raised concerns with Child Protective Services
Landfill search enters sixth day
14:39 , Megan Sheets
The search for Quinton Simon at a Chatham County landfill has entered its sixth day, with the toddler having been missing for nearly three weeks.
Investigators from the Chatham County Police Department and the FBI began combing the landfill last Tuesday after announcing they had evidence to suggest the boy’s body was taken there after having been placed in a dumpster sometime after he vanished on 5 October.
They did not disclose the nature of that evidence.
The search was put on pause over the weekend to protect the mental and physical wellbeing of the search teams, authorities said.
“This is a grueling part of our investigation that can only be performed by a team of specially-trained law enforcement searchers,” an official statement announcing the pause read. “It is also dangerous & searchers are exposed to numerous — and very real — health and safety hazards every minute that they are working.”
Missing Quinton Simon’s mother says she’s ‘not hiding’ as police consider her prime suspect in disappearance
Tuesday 25 October 2022 00:36 , Josh Marcus
The mother of Quinton Simon, a 20-month-old boy from Georgia who has been missing for nearly three weeks, says she’s “not hiding,” even as police consider her the prime suspect in the child’s disappearance.
“I’m here. I’ve been here every day since this. I’m not running and I’m not hiding,” Leilani Simon told WTOC. “And if something does come up that I am at fault, I will take myself to that police station.”
Local police in Chatham County and the FBI are actively searching a nearby landfill, where they believe they will find the child’s remains.
More details to come in our breaking news story.
Landfill search to resume on Monday
Monday 24 October 2022 13:00 , Megan Sheets
Investigators paused their search for Quinton Simon at a Chatham County landfill over the weekend and are set to resume on Monday.
The pause - which came after four days of combing through the trash - was meant to “maintain the health of the search team”, police said in a statement.
“This is a grueling part of our investigation that can only be performed by a team of specially-trained law enforcement searchers,” the statement read. “It is also dangerous & searchers are exposed to numerous — and very real — health and safety hazards every minute that they are working.”
The search team is comprised of both Chatham County officers and FBI agents specialising in locating evidence in landfills.
Babysitter allegedly reported the family to child services
Monday 24 October 2022 09:00 , Megan Sheets
Diana McCarta told WSAV last week that she babysits Quinton and his sibling.
She said in an interview on 11 October that she had previously reported the family to Georgia’s department of families and children services (DFCS) with concerns, but this was unconfirmed.
The department told The Independent: “DHS/DFCS is bound by both state and federal law to protect the privacy of the people we serve.”
“As such, we are unable to comment on the specifics of any reported abuse or neglect cases nor confirm or deny the existence of any abuse or neglect records.”
It continued: “We take seriously every report that might be made to the Department and work with law enforcement when appropriate to ensure the safety of Georgia’s children.”
Leilani Simon first reported that ‘someone came in and took Quinton’
Monday 24 October 2022 06:00 , Megan Sheets
Quinton went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, a coastal city on the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
He was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road, and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother, who is now the prime suspect in the investigation.
Ms Simon told police her son was playing in a playpen when he was last seen, although earlier reports suggested Quinton had wandered off, CNN reported.
A dispatch call made by the emergency services reveals some details concerning what the authorities were told when Quinton’s mother called 911.
“Complainant advised her one-year-old son is missing,” the dispatcher said, WJCL reported. “She woke up, her door was open. Advised he’s unable to open a door. Thinks someone came in and took him.”
Quinton Simon’s mother and grandmother hit bar amid landfill search
Monday 24 October 2022 01:00 , Megan Sheets
As the FBI continues searching for Quinton’s body in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent, a staff member at the bar said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
Andrea Blanco has more:
Quinton Simon’s mother ‘downed tequila shots’ at bar amid landfill FBI search
Protesters arrested outside Quinton Simon’s home in Savannah
Sunday 23 October 2022 21:00 , Megan Sheets
Three people were arrested while protesting outside the home of missing Georgia toddler Quinton Simon on Friday night.
Chatham County police went to the home in Savannah after receiving complaints about protesters, who then left the scene, WJCL reported.
But later in the night, three protesters returned and blocked the driveway, preventing someone from being able to leave.
The protesters - William Garrett, Wanda Boatright and John Boatwright - were subsequently charged with disorderly conduct after ignoring officers’ orders to move.
Police did not specify whether Quinton’s mother Leilani Simon - the “prime suspect” in the case - or his grandmother Billie Jo Howell were home at the time.
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco has more:
Three protesters arrested outside missing toddler Quinton Simon’s home in Savannah
Landfill search to resume on Monday
Sunday 23 October 2022 17:00 , Megan Sheets
Investigators paused their search for Quinton Simon at a Chatham County landfill over the weekend and are set to resume on Monday.
The pause - which came after four days of combing through the trash - was meant to “maintain the health of the search team”, police said in a statement.
“This is a grueling part of our investigation that can only be performed by a team of specially-trained law enforcement searchers,” the statement read. “It is also dangerous & searchers are exposed to numerous — and very real — health and safety hazards every minute that they are working.”
The search team is comprised of both Chatham County officers and FBI agents specialising in locating evidence in landfills.
Three protesters arrested outside Quinton Simon’s home
Sunday 23 October 2022 14:32 , Megan Sheets
Three people were arrested on Friday night while protesting outside Quinton Simon’s home.
Chatham County police went to the home after receiving complaints about protesters, who then left the scene, WJCL reported.
But later in the night, three protesters returned and blocked the driveway, preventing someone from being able to leave.
The protesters - William Garrett, Wanda Boatright and John Boatwright - were subsequently charged with disorderly conduct after ignoring officers’ orders to move.
Police did not specify whether Quinton’s mother Leilani Simon or his grandmother Billie Jo Howell were home at the time.
Search continues for 17th day
Sunday 23 October 2022 00:00 , Megan Sheets
Investigators continue to search landfill where Quinton is believed to be buried
After Quinton disappeared, authorities searched a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the Savannah house where he was last seen.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”.
That evidence went under analysis, police said, and it was revealed that Quinton was believed dead.
On Tuesday, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. Local Georgia police and the FBI think the 20-month-old was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area.
Here’s everything we know about the case so far:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Police given $250,000 in funding for Quinton Simon search
Saturday 22 October 2022 21:00 , Megan Sheets
Chatham County police have been given $250,000 to fund their ongoing search for Quinton.
The county’s Board of Commissioners approved the request on Friday, agreeing to reallocate money from a school zone camera fund.
“We’ve never had an investigation of this magnitude in the five years of this department’s existence,” a police spokesperson told WJCL.
“Those funds are supposed to be used for public safety purposes. Chief could not think of a greater public safety purpose than seeking justice for Quinton Simon.”
The funding comes as the search nears its fourth week.
New details on Leilani Simon’s prior arrest
Saturday 22 October 2022 17:57 , Megan Sheets
Leilani Simon was on probation at the time of her son Quinton’s disappearance, it has emerged.
WSAV reported details on the arrest that led to her probation on Friday.
According to the outlet, Ms Simon was charged with a felony last year for stealing items from the Love’s Truck Stop where she worked.
She was sentenced to 12 months of probation under a plea deal that saw the charge downgraded to a misdemeanour.
Separate records showed that police were called to intervene in a fight between Ms Simon and her mother, Billie Jo Howell. At that time, Ms Simon told officers she didn’t want trouble because she was already on probation, WSAV reported.
Quinton’s mother and grandmother seen at bar amid landfill search
Saturday 22 October 2022 13:00 , Andrea Blanco
On the first day of the FBI search for Quinton’s remains in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent about the incident on 18 October, a staff member at the bar said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
The Independent’s Andrea blanco has more:
Quinton Simon’s mother ‘downed tequila shots’ at bar amid landfill FBI search
Investigators continue to search landfill where Quinton is believed to be buried
Saturday 22 October 2022 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
After Quinton disappeared, authorities searched a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the Savannah house where he was last seen.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”.
That evidence went under analysis, police said, and it was revealed that Quinton was believed dead.
On Tuesday, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. Local Georgia police and the FBI think the 20-month-old was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area.
Quinton’s grandmother and babysitter had confrontation after he disappeared
Saturday 22 October 2022 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
In a video obtained by WSAV, Billie Howell and Diana McCarta are reportedly seen engaging in a verbal dispute over the disappearance of Quinton.
The grandmother accused the babysitter of organising a memorial for Quinton in the video and exclaimed: “You’re awful to say you’re going to put up a memorial...My baby’s not dead.”
Ms McCarta responded by denying the memorial idea and calling Ms Howell a “liar”. Most of the comments made in the video are inaudible, however.
The babysitter claimed to the news station that she had previously alerted Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) about Quinton, and that the department had an open case.
Police reviewed evidence that suggests Quinton is dead
Saturday 22 October 2022 07:00 , Andrea Blanco
Police said they were “saddened” to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead.
“The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased,” a statement shared on Facebook said.
His mother, Leilani Simon, has been named a prime suspect.
Officials held the first press conference on the case on 13 October, where they reiterated the belief that Quinton is deceased.
“To the Chatham County community, our heart breaks along with yours trying to comprehend what we believe happened here. The FBI along with our law enforcement agencies have followed every lead, every tip and every piece of evidence to get to this point and we will continue to do so,” FBI Supervisor Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said.
Officials did not disclose the nature of evidence suggesting Quinton is dead, or why Ms Simon is the main suspect.
On 18 October, the FBI and Chatham County authorities said Quinton is thought to be buried in a landfill.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Quinton’s babysitter received odd text before disappearance
Saturday 22 October 2022 05:00 , Andrea Blanco
The woman who babysits Quinton Simon said last week that she received an unusual text message the morning he went missing from his home in Savannah.
Speaking in an interview with WSAV on 10 October, the babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the morning that Quentin went missing that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemnigly last-minute decision.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work”.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has the story:
Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simon’s disappearance
Babysitter allegedly reported the family to DFCS
Saturday 22 October 2022 02:25 , Andrea Blanco
Diana McCarta told WSAV last week that she babysits Quinton and his sibling.
She said in an interview on 11 October that she had previously reported the family to Georgia’s department of families and children services (DFCS) with concerns, but this was unconfirmed.
The department told The Independent: “DHS/DFCS is bound by both state and federal law to protect the privacy of the people we serve.”
“As such, we are unable to comment on the specifics of any reported abuse or neglect cases nor confirm or deny the existence of any abuse or neglect records.”
It continued: “We take seriously every report that might be made to the Department and work with law enforcement when appropriate to ensure the safety of Georgia’s children.”
Gino Spocchia and Gustak Kilander have more details about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Quinton’s body believed to be in landfill
Saturday 22 October 2022 00:12 , Andrea Blanco
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley told a press briefing that Quinton’s body is believed to have been taken to the landfill after being placed in a dumpster at some point after he vanished on 5 October.
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Mr Hadley said of the narrowed search.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Investigators ‘not ready to charge anyone yet’
Friday 21 October 2022 21:12 , Andrea Blanco
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a presser on Tuesday: “We, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here.”
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said he was unable to share what evidence led the authorities to the landfill.
“We’re not ready to charge anyone yet, we still have work to do,” he added. “We still have an investigation to do and we are not going to do anything preemptively that would harm future prosecution.”
“We’re in for the long haul,” Chief Hadley said.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Quinton’s mother ‘used drugs while pregnant’
Friday 21 October 2022 17:54 , Andrea Blanco
Court documents obtained by the US Sun describe Ms Simon as a “chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of cocaine and cannabis.”
The outlet reports that Ms Simon consumed illegal substances while she was pregnant and tested positive for cocaine at the time of one of her births.
Ms SImon’s mother, Billie Howell, had custody of Quinton.
Quinton Simon’s mother and grandmother seen drinking
Friday 21 October 2022 16:21 , Andrea Blanco
As the FBI continues searching for Quinton’s body in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent, a staff member at the bar said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
Andrea Blanco has more:
Quinton Simon’s mother ‘downed tequila shots’ at bar amid landfill FBI search
Search for Quinton’s body in Savannah landfill enters its fourth day
Friday 21 October 2022 14:00 , Andrea Blanco
On Tuesday, local Georgia police and the FBI revealed they believe Quinton is buried in a landfill after his body was disposed of in a dumpster.
Pictures released that day show investigators combing through the Waste Management landfill in Savannah.
Authorities have said that strong evidence led them to the grim conclusion, but they will not be releasing more information in order to protect the criminal investigation.
They warned that the search could take days and the potential results are “uncertain.”
Leilani Simon, Quinton’s mother, is the prime suspect in the investigation. No arrests have been made.
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco has more details:
Police comb Georgia landfill for missing toddler Quinton Simon in eerie new images
Leilani Simon former partner said she is 'unpredictable’
Friday 21 October 2022 12:00 , Andrea Blanco
Last week, the father of one of Leilani Simon’s children told the US Sun that she is “unpredictable.”
“She’s always been unpredictable,” Cody Wharton told the outlet. “But I wasn’t worried about Zayne’s safety until all this started going on. She was a good mother. I don’t know what happened.”
Mr Wharton added that at times when he was picking up his child for a visit, Ms Simon would seem “overwhelmed.”
Ms Simon’s other two children have been removed from the home.
Leilani Simon is the prime suspect in the investigation, police say
Friday 21 October 2022 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
Early into the search for Quinton, Chatham County police said they did not believe foul play was involved in his disappearance and that they hoped to find him alive, WJCL reported.
Despite that, police said they were “saddened” to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead and that his family had been informed.
In a statement that was shared on Facebook, police said. “The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased”.
His mother, Ms Simon, was named a prime suspect. Quinton is believed to have been disposed of in a dumpster and then taken to the Waste Management landfill in Savannah.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have the story:
Grandmother and babysitter had a confrontation after he went missing
Friday 21 October 2022 10:00 , Andrea Blanco
In a video obtained by WSAV last week, Billie Howell and Diana McCarta are reportedly seen engaging in a verbal dispute over the disappearance of Quinton.
The grandmother accused the babysitter of organising a memorial for Quinton in the video and exclaimed: “You’re awful to say you’re going to put up a memorial...My baby’s not dead.”
Ms McCarta responded by denying the memorial idea and calling Ms Howell a “liar”. Most of the comments made in the video are inaudible, however.
The babysitter claimed to the news station that she had previously alerted Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) about Quinton, and that the department had an open case.
Investigators are ‘not ready to charge anyone yet’
Friday 21 October 2022 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a presser on Tuesday: “We, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here.”
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said he was unable to share what evidence led the authorities to the landfill.
“We’re not ready to charge anyone yet, we still have work to do,” he added. “We still have an investigation to do and we are not going to do anything preemptively that would harm future prosecution.”
“We’re in for the long haul,” Chief Hadley said.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Leilani Simon ‘consumed drugs while pregnant’
Friday 21 October 2022 07:50 , Andrea Blanco
The US Sun reports that Ms Simon was described as a “chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of cocaine and cannabis,” in custody court documents.
According to the outlet, she consumed illegal substances while she was pregnant and tested positive for cocaine at the time of one of her births.
Ms Simon’s mother, Billie Jo Howell, had custody of Quinton and one of his siblings. The minors have been removed from the home following Quinton’s disappearance.
Babysitter received ‘odd text message’ on the day Quinton went missing
Friday 21 October 2022 06:50 , Andrea Blanco
The toddler’s babysitter told WSAV that she was surprised to receive a message that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling on the da he went missing.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” Diana McCarta told the outlet.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work.”
“And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton,” said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quinton’s mother. “I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didn’t want that. So, I’ve been just waiting around like everyone else.”
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has more details:
Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simon’s disappearance
‘Gruelling’ search for Quinton continues
Friday 21 October 2022 05:40 , Andrea Blanco
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said during a press conference on Tuesday.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
The update comes days after police announced they believed Quinton is dead and his mother, Leilani Simon, is considered the prime suspect.
No arrests have been made in the case so far.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has the story:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Investigators searched pond, swimming pool before moving search to landfill
Friday 21 October 2022 04:30 , Andrea Blanco
After Quinton was reported missing on 5 October, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the Savannah house itself.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained.
While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”. That evidence went under analysis, police said.
On 13 October, it was revealed that Quinton was believed dead. On Tuesday, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Leilani Simon first reported that ‘someone came in and took [Quinton]'
Friday 21 October 2022 03:20 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, a coastal city on the border between Georgia and South Carolina.
He was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road, and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother, who is now the prime suspect in the investigation.
Ms Simon told police her son was playing in a playpen when he was last seen, although earlier reports suggested Quinton had wandered off, CNN reported.
A dispatch call made by the emergency services reveals some details concerning what the authorities were told when Quinton’s mother called 911.
“Complainant advised her one-year-old son is missing,” the dispatcher said, WJCL reported. “She woke up, her door was open. Advised he’s unable to open a door. Thinks someone came in and took him.”
Search for Quinton’s body continues
Friday 21 October 2022 02:10 , Andrea Blanco
The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported.
Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview “those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation” with the help of the FBI.
On Tuesday, the search zeroed in on the Waste Management landfill in Savannah, after evidence suggested Quinton had been disposed of in a dumpster.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Authorities announced last week that Quinton is believed dead
Friday 21 October 2022 01:00 , Andrea Blanco
Seven days after he was reported missing, police said they were “saddened” to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead.
“The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased,” a statement shared on Facebook said.
His mother, Leilani Simon, was named a prime suspect.
Officials held the first press conference on the case on 13 October, where they reiterated the belief that Quinton is deceased.
“To the Chatham County community, our heart breaks along with yours trying to comprehend what we believe happened here. The FBI along with our law enforcement agencies have followed every lead, every tip and every piece of evidence to get to this point and we will continue to do so,” FBI Supervisor Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said.
Officials did not disclose the nature of evidence suggesting Quinton is dead, or why Ms Simon is the main suspect.
Gino Spocchia has everything we know about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Investigators announced tragic update on Tuesday
Friday 21 October 2022 00:00 , Andrea Blanco
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley told a press briefing on Tuesday that Quinton’s body is believed to have been taken to the landfill after being placed in a dumpster at some point after he vanished on 5 October.
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Mr Hadley said of the narrowed search.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Leilani Simon did not have custody of Quinton
Thursday 20 October 2022 22:33 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton’s grandparents reportedly had guardianship of him. Court documents obtained by the US Sun allege that Ms Simon had problems with substance abuse and her parents had custody of at least two of her children.
Billie Jo Howell, Ms Simon’s mother, had also tried to get Ms Simon and her boyfriend Daniel Youngkin to leave the residence, WJCL reported.
“She hasn’t always done the right thing,” Ms Howell previously said about her daughter in the WJCL report. “Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesn’t.”
Authorities say they have ‘one shot’ at arresting Leilani Simon
Thursday 20 October 2022 21:00 , Andrea Blanco
During a press conference on Tuesday, Chatam County Sheriff Jeff Hadley said that Ms Simon was believed to be in Chatham County and that she was not a flight risk.
He added that authorities wouldn’t be releasing more information about the evidence they had encountered, noting they had “one shot” at arresting Ms Simon, who is now the prime suspect in the investigation.
“We’re in for the long haul,” Chief Hadley said.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Leilani Simon and mother seen at bar amid landfill search
Thursday 20 October 2022 20:00 , Andrea Blanco
As the FBI wrapped up their first day searching for Quinton’s body in a landfill in Savannah, Georgia, local news station WSAV reported that his mother, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and his grandmother, Billie Jo Howell, were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent, a staff member said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
The Independent has the story:
Quinton Simon’s mother ‘downed tequila shots’ at bar amid landfill FBI search
Gruelling search continues in Savannah landfill
Thursday 20 October 2022 18:54 , Andrea Blanco
In a grim update on Tuesday, the FBI said that the search is now focused on a landfill where Quinton’s body is believed to be buried.
Quinton was reported missing on 5 October. His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, made the 911 call reporting that she had woken up to find her son was gone and that she believed “someone came in and took him”, WJCL reported.
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said during a press briefing announcing the landfill search on Tuesday. “We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
Ms Simon, who has two other children who have since been removed from the home, is now the prime suspect in Quinton’s disappearance.
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco has more:
Police comb Georgia landfill for missing toddler Quinton Simon in eerie new images
Quinton’s grandmother shared odd post
Thursday 20 October 2022 17:38 , Andrea Blanco
Last week, Billie Jo Howell, who reportedly has legal custody over the 20-month-old and his three-year-old brother, shared an old Facebook post from “years ago”, Fox News reported on Tuesday.
In the post, Ms Howell thanked those who stood by her side throughout her life and that “calm” was coming following a “storm”. The meaning behind the message remained unclear, however.
“Seems there’s always a storm before the calm in my life,” the post reportedly read. “Boy let me tell you it felt like a tornado was spinning everything at once. Finally, I feel the calming peaceful sunshine hitting my face.” Ms Howell posted that the message “stands true today.”
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has more:
Grandmother posts unusual message on Facebook in case of Quinton Simon
Timeline of Quinton’s disappearance
Thursday 20 October 2022 16:49 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton Simon was first reported missing on 5 October by his mother, Leilani Simon, who is now the prime suspect.
A dispatch call by emergency service, which has been obtained by local media, suggested the front door to the family home was found open and that Ms Simon told 911 she “thinks someone came in and took him.”
During a press conference last week, police announced that they had come across solid evidence that suggested Quinton was dead.
On Tuesday, authorities revealed that Quinton’s body was likely disposed of in a dumpster and then taken to a Waste Management landfill in Savannah.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Leilani Simon is prime suspect in Quinton’s disappearance
Thursday 20 October 2022 15:42 , Andrea Blanco
Georgia authorities and the FBI have named Quinton’s mother as the prime suspect.
Police also announced that they believed Quinton is dead and his remains were likely disposed of in a dumpster and then taken to the Waste Management landfill in Savannah.
A search for remains was launched on Tuesday, and just hours later, local news station WSAV reported that Ms Simon was seen drinking tequila at a bar in a nearby town.
Investigators have not made arrests and declined to disclose details about the evidence that led them to believe that Quinton was dead, citing concerns about the investigation.
Quinton’s mother seen drinking at Tybee Island bar
Thursday 20 October 2022 14:27 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton Simon’s mother and grandmother were seen drinking in a town near where the toddler went missing two weeks ago.
As the FBI continues searching for Quinton’s body in a landfill in Savannah, Georgia, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent, a staff member said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
The Independent’s Andrea Blanco has more:
Quinton Simon’s mother ‘downed tequila shots’ at bar amid landfill FBI search
FBI searches for Quinton’s remains in landfill
Thursday 20 October 2022 13:00 , Andrea Blanco
The FBI has released chilling new images that offer an insight into the “gruelling” search for Quinton after it was revealed on Tuesday that evidence led authorities to believe that the 20-months-old’s remains were disposed of in a dumpster and then taken to a Waste Management landfill in Savannah.
Quinton was reported missing on 5 October. His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, made the 911 call reporting that she had woken up to find her son was gone and that she believed “someone came in and took him”, WJCL reported.
Ms Simon, who has two other children who have since been removed from the home, is now the prime suspect in Quinton’s disappearance.
Andrea Blanco has the story:
Police comb Georgia landfill for missing toddler Quinton Simon in eerie new images
Quinton Simon’s mother and grandmother seen at bar amid landfill search
Thursday 20 October 2022 11:50 , Andrea Blanco
As the FBI continues searching for Quinton’s body in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent, a staff member at the bar said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
The Independent’s Andrea blanco has more:
Quinton Simon’s mother ‘downed tequila shots’ at bar amid landfill FBI search
Quinton is believed to be buried in landfill
Thursday 20 October 2022 09:30 , Andrea Blanco
Local police and the FBI announced the grim development at a news conference on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after 20-month-old Quinton vanished on 5 October in Savannah.
Officials said there is evidence to suggest the toddler was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area. A search is now underway.
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
Leilani Simon appeared in court Monday over custody of two other children
Thursday 20 October 2022 08:15 , Andrea Blanco
On Monday, Leilani Simon attended a court hearing over the custody of Quinton’s siblings, a 6-months-old baby and a 3-years-old.
The hearing was sealed from the public, local news station WOC11 reported.
Other attendees are prohibited from discussing the hearing.
Ms Simon is the prime suspect in Simon’s disappearance and possible death but has not been charged with any crime.
Quinton’s babysitter received “odd text"
Thursday 20 October 2022 07:10 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton’s babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the day the toddler disappeared that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” Diana McCarta told WSAV last week,
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work”.
“And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton,” said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quinton’s mother. “I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didn’t want that. So, I’ve been just waiting around like everyone else.”
Quinton’s babysitter and grandmother had argument
Thursday 20 October 2022 06:00 , Andrea Blanco
In a video obtained by WSAV, Billie Howell and Diana McCarta are reportedly seen engaging in a verbal dispute over the disappearance of Quinton.
The grandmother accused the babysitter of organising a memorial for Quinton in the video and exclaimed: “You’re awful to say you’re going to put up a memorial...My baby’s not dead.”
Ms McCarta responded by denying the memorial idea and calling Ms Howell a “liar”. Most of the comments made in the video are inaudible, however.
The babysitter claimed to the news station that she had previously alerted Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) about Quinton, and that the department had an open case.
A ‘mentally and physically gruelling’ search for remains continues
Thursday 20 October 2022 04:57 , Andrea Blanco
At a press conference on Tuesday, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said that the search ahead would be a “physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team.”
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else,” he added.
No arrests have been made in the case, according to WJCL. Quentin is believed to be buried in a landfill and his mother, Leilani Simon, is considered the “prime suspect.”
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”. Mr Clarke added that “this will not be quick” and “it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain”.
Investigators previously searched several areas in hopes to find Quinton alive
Thursday 20 October 2022 03:47 , Andrea Blanco
After Quinton was reported missing, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained.
Police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”. That evidence went under analysis, police said.
On Tuesday 18 October, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
FBI leads search for Quinton
Thursday 20 October 2022 02:37 , Andrea Blanco
The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported. They’re now focusing on a landfill after reviewing evidence that suggests the toddler’s remains are buried there.
Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview “those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation” with the help of the FBI.
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a press conference on Tuesday that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here,” he added.
Quinton’s mother first ‘reported abduction’
Thursday 20 October 2022 01:27 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah. He was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road, and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother, Leilani Simon.
She told police her son was playing in a playpen when he was last seen, although earlier reports suggested Quinton had wandered off, CNN reported.
A dispatch call by emergency service, which has been obtained by local media, suggested the front door to the family home was found open and that Ms Simon told 911 she “Thinks someone came in and took him.”
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has everything we know about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Leilani Simon did not have custody of Simon
Thursday 20 October 2022 00:17 , Andrea Blanco
Ms Howell reportedly lived at the same address as Quinton and his mother, Leilani Simon, along with her husband Thomas Howell, and her daughter’s boyfriend, WJCL reported.
The news outlet obtained court documents alleging an eviction despite, with Ms Howell seeking to remove her daughter and her boyfriend from the property over alleged “damage” and a lack of “peace”. This remains unconfirmed, however.
The same documents also stated that Quinton’s grandparents have custody of the child.
“Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesn’t,” Billie Jo Howell told ABC30. “I don’t know what to think right now...I don’t know if I can trust her or I don’t. I just know I’m hurting and I want this baby home. He’s my baby.”
Quinton’s babysitter was told she was not needed on day of disappearance
Wednesday 19 October 2022 23:05 , Andrea Blanco
Speaking in an interview with WSAV on 10 October, Quinton’s babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the morning that Quentin went missing that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” said Diana McCarta.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work”.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has the story:
Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simon’s disappearance
Quinton Simon’s mother and grandmother seen drinking
Wednesday 19 October 2022 21:46 , Andrea Blanco
As the FBI continues searching for Quinton’s body in a landfill in Savannah, local news station WSAV first reported that Leilani Simon, now the prime suspect in the investigation, and her mother Billie Jo Howell were seen drinking at Sting Ray’s, a bar in the neighbouring Tybee Island.
When contacted by The Independent, a staff member at the bar said: “They were here, they drank, they left.”
The @WSAV Investigative Unit has learned as federal agents were ending their first day of searching for #QuintonSimon in a dump, his mom and grandmother were taking shots and drinking at a popular Tybee Island beach bar. pic.twitter.com/iQ1nXxFSGO
— Brett Buffington (@BrettWSAV) October 19, 2022
Search for Quinton’s body continued in Savannah landfill
Wednesday 19 October 2022 21:27 , Andrea Blanco
On Tuesday, local Georgia police and the FBI revealed they believe Quinton is buried in a landfill after his body was disposed of in a landfill.
Pictures released also on Tuesday show investigators combing through the Waste Management landfill in Savannah.
Quinton was reported missing on 5 October. His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, made the 911 call reporting that she had woken up to find her son was gone and that she believed “someone came in and took him”, WJCL reported.
Ms Simon, who has two other children who have since been removed from the home, is now the prime suspect in Quinton’s disappearance.
Andrea Blanco has more details:
Police comb Georgia landfill for missing toddler Quinton Simon in eerie new images
Babysitter was sent “odd text” the day Quinton was last seen
Wednesday 19 October 2022 20:24 , Andrea Blanco
Speaking in an interview with WSAV last week, Quinton’s babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the day the toddler disappeared that she would not be needed to look after him and his sibling.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemingly last-minute decision.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work”.
“And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton,” said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quinton’s mother. “I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didn’t want that. So, I’ve been just waiting around like everyone else.”
Investigators discuss ‘mentally and physically gruelling’ search
Wednesday 19 October 2022 19:07 , Andrea Blanco
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said Tuesday that the search ahead would be a “physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team.”
No arrests have been made in the case, according to WJCL. Quentin is believed to be buried in a landfill and his mother, Leilani Simon, is considered the “prime suspect.”
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”. “We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here,” he added.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more details:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Former partner says Leilani Simon is “unpredictable’
Wednesday 19 October 2022 18:06 , Andrea Blanco
The father of one of Leilani Simon’s children told the US Sun that she is “unpredictable.”
“She’s always been unpredictable,” Cody Wharton told the outlet. “But I wasn’t worried about Zayne’s safety until all this started going on. She was a good mother. I don’t know what happened.”
Mr Wharton added that at times when he was picking up his child for a visit, Ms Simon would seem “overwhelmed.”
He also told the Sun: “Even now, I’m questioning everything. Is he hurt? What is he doing? I don’t want to get a call saying your son is hurt and going to the hospital.”
Ms Simon’s other two children have been removed from the home.
Leilani Simon’s mother had guardianship of Quinton
Wednesday 19 October 2022 17:05 , Andrea Blanco
According to court records obtained by WJCL, Leilani Simon’s mother, Billie Jo Howell, had custody of Quinton and his three-year-old brother.
Ms Howell lived at the home with their mother and her boyfriend. Ms Howell reportedly tried to evict the couple over alleged “damage” and a lack of “peace”, the outlet reported.
“Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesn’t,” Ms Howell told ABC3 of her 22-year-old daughter last week.
“I don’t know what to think right now. I don’t know what to believe, because I don’t think anybody ever believes this is going to happen to them.”
Investigators dig landfill where Quinton is believed to be buried
Wednesday 19 October 2022 15:59 , Andrea Blanco
After Quinton disappeared, authorities searched a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the Savannah house where he was last seen.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained. While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”.
That evidence went under analysis, police said, and it was revealed that Quinton was believed dead.
On Tuesday, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill. Local Georgia police and the FBI think the 20-month-old was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area.
Police continue ‘gruelling search’ for Quinton’s remains
Wednesday 19 October 2022 15:27 , Andrea Blanco
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said at a press briefing on Tuesday: “We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team”.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else,” he added.
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke also said that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here,” he added.
Investigators added that the search will not be quick, and the outcome is uncertain.
Quinton’s mother had said ‘somebody took him’
Wednesday 19 October 2022 14:50 , Andrea Blanco
The 20-year-old was last seen at his home in Savannah around 6am on 5 October.
His babysitter has told local media she received a text that morning telling her she was not going to be needed to take care of Simon and one of his siblings.
Leilani Simon, Quinton’s mother and the prime suspect in his disappearance, called authorities hours later saying “somebody took him.” Early reports also suggested that he had wandered off, according to CNN.
Investigators searched several areas and bodies of water near the residence where Quinton was last seen before announcing last week that he was believed to be dead.
They’re now focusing their search on a Chatam County landfill, where they think Quinton is buried after his remains were reportedly disposed of in a dumpster.
Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have everything we know about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
FBI releases chilling photos of investigators digging in landfill
Wednesday 19 October 2022 13:33 , Megan Sheets
The FBI has released several photos of investigators combing through the landfill where Quinton Simon’s body is believed to be hidden.
The photos show more than 20 crew members dressed in white forensic suits, heavy-duty boots and neon vests as they rake through the garbage.
Backhoes are also being used to loosen the packed ground.
The photos were released hours after authorities announced evidence led them to believe Quinton’s body was placed in a dumpster before being transported to the landfill.
It’s unclear how long the body may have been there. Quinton was last seen on 5 October.
Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Wednesday 19 October 2022 13:00 , Andrea Blanco
After announcing on 12 October that Quinton was feared dead, local police and the FBI announced the grim developments on Tuesday.
He is now believed to be buried in a landfill after his remains were disposed of in a dumpster, police said.
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference: “We, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here.”
Mr Clarke said that “this will not be quick” and “it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain”.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has the story:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Leilani Simon ‘used drugs during pregnancy’
Wednesday 19 October 2022 12:00 , Andrea Blanco
The US Sun reports that Ms Simon was described as a “chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of cocaine and cannabis,” in court documents.
According to the outlet, she consumed illegal substances while she was pregnant and tested positive for cocaine at the time of one of her births.
Ms Simon’s mother, Billie Howell, had custody of Quinton and another one of their children.
The minors have been removed from the home following Quinton’s disappearance.
Quinton’s babysitter received ‘odd text message’ before he went missing
Wednesday 19 October 2022 11:00 , Andrea Blanco
The woman told WSAV that she was surprised to receive a message that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling on the day the 20-month-old went missing.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” said Diana McCarta.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work.”
“And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton,” said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quinton’s mother. “I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didn’t want that. So, I’ve been just waiting around like everyone else.”
Gino Spocchia has more details:
Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simon’s disappearance
Quinton believed to be buried in a landfill
Wednesday 19 October 2022 10:00 , Andrea Blanco
The toddler was reported missing from his family home in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road 9.39am by his mother, Lelani Simon, police said.
In an update last week, Chatham County police said the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward” had been located and that evidence was now undergoing analysis.
No further details were given. Chatham County Chief Jeffrey Hadley said “everybody” was being interviewed and that all parties had cooperated with the investigation, which has seen as many as 40 FBI agents on the ground.
Authorities announced last week that Quinton was feared dead. On Tuesday, they revealed he is believed to be buried in a landfill.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has the story.
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Quinton’s remains believed to be in a landfill
Wednesday 19 October 2022 09:00 , Andrea Blanco
In the aftermath of Quinton’s disappearance, authorities searched a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained.
While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”. That evidence went under analysis, police said.
On Tuesday 18 October, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill.
Local Georgia police and the FBI think the 20-month-old was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area, prompting a search that is now underway.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gutsaf Kilander have more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
FBI is assisting in the search for Quinton’s remains
Wednesday 19 October 2022 08:00 , Andrea Blanco
The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported.
Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview “those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation” with the help of the FBI.
In the days after Quinton was reported missing, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road in Savannah, police said.
However, police said that unspecified evidence had led them to believe Quinton was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill.
Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Quinton’s mother named prime suspect by police
Wednesday 19 October 2022 07:00 , Andrea Blanco
Early into the search for Quinton, Chatham County police said they did not believe foul play was involved in his disappearance and that they hoped to find him alive, WJCL reported.
Despite that, police said they were “saddened” to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead and that his family had been informed.
In a statement that was shared on Facebook, police said. “The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased”.
His mother, Ms Simon, has been named a prime suspect.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have the story:
Authorities ‘not ready to charge anyone yet'
Wednesday 19 October 2022 05:46 , Andrea Blanco
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a presser on Tuesday: “We, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here.”
Mr Clarke said that “this will not be quick” and “it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain”.
“We’ve been following the evidence, where it has taken us and the evidence has taken us to this landfill.”
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said he was unable to share what evidence led the authorities to the landfill.
“I can’t thank the FBI enough for all that they have done,” the chief said. “They have been tremendous and phenomenal.”
“We’re not ready to charge anyone yet, we still have work to do,” he added. “We still have an investigation to do and we are not going to do anything preemptively that would harm future prosecution.”
Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Quinton’s grandmother had guardianship of him
Wednesday 19 October 2022 04:36 , Andrea Blanco
Court records obtained by WJCL show that Leilani Simon’s mother, Billie Jo Howell, had custody of Quinton and his three-year-old brother.
Ms Howell lived at the home with their mother and her boyfriend, who she also tried to evict over alleged “damage” and a lack of “peace”, the news station reported.
“Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesn’t,” Ms Howell told ABC3 of her 22-year-old daughter last week.
“I don’t know what to think right now. I don’t know what to believe, because I don’t think anybody ever believes this is going to happen to them.”
Law enforcement officials discuss ‘gruelling' search for Quinton
Wednesday 19 October 2022 03:26 , Andrea Blanco
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said during a press conference on Tuesday.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
The update comes days after police announced they believed Quinton is dead and his mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, is considered the “prime suspect”.
No arrests have been made in the case so far.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has the story:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Quinton’s grandmother and babysitter had confrontation after he disappeared
Wednesday 19 October 2022 02:16 , Andrea Blanco
In a video obtained by WSAV, Billie Howell and Diana McCarta are reportedly seen engaging in a verbal dispute over the disappearance of Quinton.
The grandmother accused the babysitter of organising a memorial for Quinton in the video and exclaimed: “You’re awful to say you’re going to put up a memorial...My baby’s not dead.”
Ms McCarta responded by denying the memorial idea and calling Ms Howell a “liar”. Most of the comments made in the video are inaudible, however.
The babysitter claimed to the news station that she had previously alerted Georgia’s Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) about Quinton, and that the department had an open case.
Quinton’s babysitter received “odd text” the day he disapeared
Wednesday 19 October 2022 01:16 , Andrea Blanco
Speaking in an interview with WSAV last week, Quinton’s babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the day the toddler disappeared that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemnigly last-minute decision.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work”.
Police said Quiton was last seen at 6am, about half an hour after the babysitter says she was told she was no longer needed for the day.
“And then I get a text at 9am saying have I seen Quinton,” said Ms McCarta of her exchange with Quinton’s mother. “I immediately go to their house. I try to help them look, they didn’t want that. So, I’ve been just waiting around like everyone else.”
Gino Spocchia has the story:
Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simon’s disappearance
Quinton’s grandmother shared bizarre post
Wednesday 19 October 2022 00:16 , Andrea Blanco
Last week, Billie Jo Howell, who reportedly has legal custody over the 20-month-old and his three-year-old brother, shared an old Facebook post from “years ago”, Fox News reported on Tuesday.
In the post, Ms Howell thanked those who stood by her side throughout her life and that “calm” was coming following a “storm”. The meaning behind the message remained unclear, however.
“Seems there’s always a storm before the calm in my life,” the post reportedly read. “Boy let me tell you it felt like a tornado was spinning everything at once. Finally, I feel the calming peaceful sunshine hitting my face.”
Ms Howell posted that the message “stands true today.”
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has more:
Grandmother posts unusual message on Facebook in case of Quinton Simon
Quinton is believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Tuesday 18 October 2022 23:36 , Andrea Blanco
Local police and the FBI announced the grim development at a news conference on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after 20-month-old Quinton vanished on 5 October in Savannah.
Officials said there is evidence to suggest the toddler was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area. A search is now underway.
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
Leilani Simon is ‘not a flight risk,’ authorities say
Tuesday 18 October 2022 22:56 , Andrea Blanco
After it was revealed that Quinton is believed to be dead, authorities named his mother, Leilani Simon, as the main suspect.
She has not been charged with any crimes but does not pose a flight risk, investigators said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley was asked by the press how long he expects the landfill search to take.
“It’s kind of up to what happens ... this is not going to be quick,” he replied. “This is not going to happen within a day or so. We are here for the long haul.”
The police chief was asked about Ms Simon’s whereabouts.
“I believe she’s still here in Chatham County,” the chief said, later adding that he doesn’t think she’s a flight risk.
Asked why, he said, “I can’t get into that”.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more details about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Quinton’s mother ‘used drugs while pregnant’
Tuesday 18 October 2022 22:16 , Andrea Blanco
Court documents obtained by the US Sun describe Ms Simon as a “chronic, unrehabilitated substance abuser of cocaine and cannabis.”
The outlet reports that Ms Simon consumed illegal substances while she was pregnant and tested positive for cocaine at the time of one of her births.
Ms SImon’s mother, Billie Howell, had custody of Quinton.
Leilani Simon is “unpredictable,” former partner says
Tuesday 18 October 2022 21:46 , Andrea Blanco
The father of one of Leilani Simon’s children told the US Sun that Ms Simon was “unpredictable.”
“She’s always been unpredictable,” Cody Wharton told the outlet.
“But I wasn’t worried about Zayne’s safety until all this started going on. She was a good mother. I don’t know what happened.”
Mr Wharton added that at times when he was picking up his child for a visit, Ms Simon would seem “overwhelmed.”
Mr Wharton also told the Sun: “Even now, I’m questioning everything. Is he hurt? What is he doing? I don’t want to get a call saying your son is hurt and going to the hospital.”
Ms Simon’s other two children have been removed from her care.
Quinton’s mom appeared in court Monday over custody of two other children
Tuesday 18 October 2022 21:16 , Andrea Blanco
On Monday, Leilani Simon attended a court hearing over the custody of Quinton’s siblings, a 6-months-old baby and a 3-years-old.
The hearing was sealed from the public, local news station WOC11 reported.
Other attendees are prohibited from discussing the hearing.
Ms Simon is the prime suspect in Simon’s disappearance and possible death but has not been charged with any crime.
Quinton is believed to be in a landfill
Tuesday 18 October 2022 20:50 , Andrea Blanco
Investigators with the Chatham County police and the FBI revealed they believe that 20-month-old Quinton was placed in a dumpster and taken to a landfill in the area.
His mother, 22-year-old Leilani Simon, is considered the “prime suspect” and no arrests have been made in the case so far.
Authorities said they are not releasing more information about the case in hopes that Ms Simon can be ultimately arrested.
Gino Spocchia has more details:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Investigators searched several areas before announcing Quinton was believed dead
Tuesday 18 October 2022 20:25 , Andrea Blanco
In the days after Quinton was reported missing, search warrants were carried out on a nearby pond, a backyard swimming pool and the house itself in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road in Savannah, police said.
Those areas were re-canvassed on 10 October when the pool in the backyard of the home was drained.
While it was unclear if any evidence was found or removed from it, police announced on 11 October the discovery of evidence “that we believe will help move this case forward”. That evidence went under analysis, police said.
On Tuesday 18 October, police announced that Quinton is believed to have been buried in a landfill.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia and Gustaf Kilander have more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
FBI is assisting the search for Quinton
Tuesday 18 October 2022 19:54 , Andrea Blanco
The FBI is supporting the Chatham County Police Department in the investigation, with law enforcement spending 18 to 20 hours a day looking for the 20-month-old child, CNN reported.
Chatham County police said in an earlier statement that it had executed search warrants and continued to interview “those who might have information that could be helpful in the investigation” with the help of the FBI.
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during a press conference on Tuesday that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here,” he added.
Police has reviewed evidence that suggest Quinton is dead
Tuesday 18 October 2022 19:28 , Andrea Blanco
Police said they were “saddened” to report on 12 October that they believed the 20-month-old was dead.
“The CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased,” a statement shared on Facebook said.
His mother, Leilani Simon, has been named a prime suspect.
Officials held the first press conference on the case on 13 October, where they reiterated the belief that Quinton is deceased.
“To the Chatham County community, our heart breaks along with yours trying to comprehend what we believe happened here. The FBI along with our law enforcement agencies have followed every lead, every tip and every piece of evidence to get to this point and we will continue to do so,” FBI Supervisor Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said.
Officials did not disclose the nature of evidence suggesting Quinton is dead, or why Ms Simon is the main suspect.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has more:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Authorities have only ‘one shot’ to arrest Quinton’s mother
Tuesday 18 October 2022 19:08 , Andrea Blanco
Georgia Police have revealed tragic developments in the investigation, saying Quinton is now feared dead.
They have zeroed their search in on a landfill nearly two weeks after he vanished in Savannah.
During a 13 October press conference, officials said they could not publicise much information on the investigation yet because they only have “one shot” to arrest and charge Ms Simon.
Asked for an update on the case against Ms Simon on Tuesday, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said: “I can’t get into that.”
Quinton’s babysitter had allegedly reported the family to DFCS
Tuesday 18 October 2022 18:48 , Andrea Blanco
Diana McCarta told WSAV last week that she babysits Quinton and his sibling.
She said in an interview on 11 October that she had previously reported the family to Georgia’s department of families and children services (DFCS) with concerns, but this was unconfirmed.
The department told The Independent: “DHS/DFCS is bound by both state and federal law to protect the privacy of the people we serve.”
“As such, we are unable to comment on the specifics of any reported abuse or neglect cases nor confirm or deny the existence of any abuse or neglect records.”
It continued: “We take seriously every report that might be made to the Department and work with law enforcement when appropriate to ensure the safety of Georgia’s children.”
Gino Spocchia and Gustak Kilander have more details about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Grandparents had custody of Quinton
Tuesday 18 October 2022 18:25 , Andrea Blanco
Quinton’s grandparents have said the boy’s mother “hasn’t always done the right thing” after he vanished.
“Sometimes she does really great, sometimes she doesn’t,” Billie Jo Howell told ABC30. “I don’t know what to think right now...I don’t know if I can trust her or I don’t. I just know I’m hurting and I want this baby home. He’s my baby.”
Ms Howell reportedly lived at the same address as Quinton and his mother, Leilani Simon, along with her husband Thomas Howell, and her daughter’s boyfriend, WJCL reported.
The news outlet obtained court documents alleging an eviction despite, with Ms Howell seeking to remove her daughter and her boyfriend from the property over alleged “damage” and a lack of “peace”. This remains unconfirmed, however.
The same documents also stated that Quinton’s grandparents have custody of the child, according to WJCL.
Authorities warn of ‘mentally and physically gruelling’ search for remains
Tuesday 18 October 2022 18:05 , Andrea Blanco
At a press conference on Tuesday, Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said that the search ahead would be a “physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team.”
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else,” he added.
No arrests have been made in the case, according to WJCL. Quentin is believed to be buried in a landfill and his mother, Leilani Simon is considered the “prime suspect.”
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here,” he added.
Mr Clarke said that “this will not be quick” and “it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain”.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more details:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
Quinton’s mother first told authorities ‘someone came in and took him’
Tuesday 18 October 2022 17:45 , Andrea Blanco
The toddler went missing on 5 October from his home in Savannah, a coastal city on the border between Georgia and South Carolina, in Chatham County.
Quinton was last seen at about 6am that day at an address in the 500 block of Buckhalter Road, and was reported missing at approximately 9.40am by his mother, Leilani Simon.
She told police her son was playing in a playpen when he was last seen, although earlier reports suggested Quinton had wandered off, CNN reported.
A dispatch call by emergency service, which has been obtained by local media, suggested the front door to the family home was found open and that Ms Simon told 911 she “Thinks someone came in and took him.”
Gino Spocchia has everything we know about the case:
Quinton Simon: What we know about search for missing toddler feared dead in Georgia
Quinton Simon’s babysitter revealed odd text sent before disappearance
Tuesday 18 October 2022 17:25 , Andrea Blanco
The woman who babysits Quinton Simon said last week that she received an unusual text message the morning he went missing from his home in Savannah.
Speaking in an interview with WSAV on 10 October, the babysitter said she was surprised to receive a message on the morning that Quentin went missing that she would not be needed to look after Quinton and his sibling.
“I got a text this morning saying they would not be here, would not be babysitting them at 5.29 [a.m.],” said Diana McCarta, who expressed surprise at the seemnigly last-minute decision.
She continued: “Which was kind of odd because I have them even when she (their mother) doesn’t work”.
The Independent’s Gino Spocchia has the story:
Babysitter reveals odd text before Quinton Simon’s disappearance
Quinton’s body believed to be in landfill
Tuesday 18 October 2022 17:04 , Megan Sheets
Authorities offered a tragic update in the search for missing 20-month-old Quinton Simon on Tuesday, revealing he is believed to be buried in a landfill.
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley told a press briefing that Quinton’s body is believed to have been taken to the landfill after being placed in a dumpster at some point after he vanished on 5 October.
“We know that this is going to be a physically, mentally and emotionally gruelling task for our investigators and team,” Mr Hadley said of the narrowed search.
“We want justice for Quinton just like everyone else.”
FBI Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke said during the press conference that “we, along with our law enforcement partners, go into this process with heavy hearts”.
“We did not want to end up at this point. But the evidence has taken us here,” he added.
Mr Clarke said that “this will not be quick” and “it will not be easy, and the outcome is uncertain”.
The Independent’s Gustaf Kilander has more:
Missing toddler Quinton Simon believed to be buried in landfill, police say
