Quinton Simon Case File

Quinton Simon

Quinton Simon born in Hinesville, Georgia to Leilani Maree Simon and Henry Moss, Jr. Quinton 20 months, was first reported missing from his family’s Savannah home by his mother, Leilani Simon, on Oct. 5

Wednesday, October 5 Quinton is seen around 6 a.m. in his playpen at his Buckhalter Road home.

His mother told Police that she noticed Quinton missing around 9 a.m. and contacted the police. Chatham County Police , Savannah Police mounted patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a Liberty County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team and a Mosquito Control helicopter take part in the search..

Timeline

Leilani Simon – Quinton Simon Biological Mother

Quinton Simon Case File

Leilani Simon – Quinton Simon Biological Mother

Leilani Simon, 22, her boyfriend Daniel Youngkin, and Simon’s three children resided with Simon’s parents, Thomas and Billie Jo Howell, at a home in the 500 block of Burkhalter Road in Savannah, Georgia.

November 2021, Leilani Simon was employed at a Love’s Truck Stop off I-95, just north of Fayetteville, North Carolina, when she was arrested and charged with felony theft. She had stolen two packs of cigarettes, a bag of popcorn, and a bottle of lemonade from her workplace. The judge sentenced her to one year of probation, 48 hours of community service, and approximately $400 in fines. As part of her probation, she was required to remain crime-free for 12 months.

April 2022 Paul Simon moved in with his mother, stepfather and his sister Leilani On September 7, 2022, Leilani Simon contacted police to report that her mother, Billie Jo Howell, had assaulted her. Police Report

On September 8, 2022, Billie Jo Howell filed for the eviction of her daughter, Leilani Simon, and Leilani’s partner, Youngkin, from her home. In the filing, Howell claimed the couple had caused damage to her property and stated that “no one is living in peace.” Howell had legal custody of Quinton and his older brother since Quinton was five months old. Leilani had recently returned to her mother’s home, shortly before giving birth to a baby girl. Each of Leilani’s three children has a different father.

On September 16, 2022, Leilani Simon was notified of the eviction through a notice mailed by the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

September 26, 2022, Leilani received the eviction notice.

On September 28, 2022, the state of Georgia ordered Leilani to begin paying child support to her mother, Billie Jo Howell. The order required monthly payments of $150 starting on November 1, 2022. However, it stipulated that the amount would be reduced to $100 if the number of children in Billie Jo Howell’s care decreased.

October 3, 2022 Babysitter raised her fees, to $200 a week.

October 4, 2022 Leilani left her home to meet her drug dealer.

10:29 PM Leilani went to Circle Kay Gas Station in her Dodge Journey – seen on the video surveillance
10:32 PM Leilani text to Danny “Gonna run to 204 I guess” (highway 204 is a drug dealer location)
10:49 PM Leilani paid $80.00 to Timothy Wagner for drugs using a cashapp
10:55 PM Leilani arrived to a drug dealer home
10:33 PM Leilani left a drug dealer home
11:10 PM Leilani came back home
After getting home Leilani doing coke

October 5, 2022: when Leilani reported Quinton missing from their home on Buckhalter Road; this was the beginning of her many alleged lies. An intense, seven-day search involving local police, the FBI, and the community followed.

1:00 AM Surveillance video shows her parked outside a dumpster to toss Quinton’s body in the dumpster at Azalea Mobile Home park.
1:40 AM Leilani Simon’s phone was plugged in, unplugged and unlocked.
2:01 AM Leilani’s phone is locked and not being used till later in the morning.
5:15 AM Danny tries to wake Leilani to get ready for work (they work the same shift) but unable to wake her up.
5:20 AM, Danny became frustrated with Leilani for not going to work, and To avoid the cost of babysitting services he sent Diana McCarta, who regularly babysat Leilani Simon’s children, a text message. “Hey the kids are gonna stay here with her today miss Michelle”
5:29 AM Babysitter Replied with Okay
6:00 AM. on October 5, 2022, Leilani Simon’s boyfriend, Daniel Youngkin, left for work.
6:11 AM Danny clocked in to work
9:00 a.m., Diana McCarta received a text message from Quinton grandparent asking if she knew the whereabouts of Quinton Simon, who had last been seen at 6:00 a.m. by Youngkin.
9:14 AM Leilani called Danny to tell him she woke up, the front door was open and Quinton was gone. (but ADT records showed the front was not opened till 9:22 AM that morning)
9:15 AM Danny clocked out of work and on the phone with Leilani
9:22 AM Leilani opened the front door (according to ADT records)
9:30 a.m., Leilani Simon called 911 to report Quinton missing. She described him as last seen wearing a light blue Sesame Street shirt and black pants, and his favorite Mickey Mouse toy was missing from home.
9:54 AM Police arrived and Leilani repeated the same story: she woke up to find a front door open and Quinton was gone. Video of Leilani

October 6, 2022

Police obtain a search warrant for Billie Jo Howell’s residence.

October 7, 2022

Daniel Yongin cooperated with the FBI to wear a wire to get Leilani admission to what she did to Quinton.

Tuesday, October 11

Chatham County Police issue a statement saying they have seized evidence they believe will lead to closure in the investigation.

On October 12, 2022

Leilani Simon was interviewed by the FBI. Interview
Chatham County Police publicly named Leilani Simon as the prime suspect in her son’s disappearance, though no charges were filed at the time. It should be known that Simon did not have custody of Quentin or her other two children at the time of his disappearance and death, due to her drug use and burglary charges. Simon’s mother, Billie Jo Howell, had custody (who has quite the wrap sheet of her own) but was not home at the time of his disappearance.
Chatham County Police later issued a statement:

“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. But, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed.”

Thursday, October 13, 2022

Chatham County Police and the FBI held a joint press conference in which they said their search has led them to believe Quinton is dead, but no body has been found. The investigation is ongoing, and the child’s mother is the prime suspect but has not yet been charged.

Friday, October 14, 2022

The Chatham County Police Department announces that it doesn’t believe there will be any searches for Quinton through Sunday. Investigators will, however, continue to gather and analyze evidence during that time.

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Police and the FBI say Quinton’s remains were placed in a dumpster and taken to a nearby landfill. Now, an extensive search of the landfill is underway in the hopes of finding the child’s remains.

Wednesday, October 19, 2022 T

he search continues at the landfill. Multiple witnesses say Leilani Simon and her mother, Billie Jo Howell, were seen drinking shots at a Tybee Island establishment.

Friday, October 21, 2022

C hatham County Commissioners approve a reallocation of funds to cover $250,000 in expenses from the search for Quinton Simon.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Police confirm several protesters were arrested outside the Simon family home, where Quinton was last seen.

Monday, October 24, 2022

The search at the landfill resumes. In an interview, Leilani Simon says she hopes her son will be found “happy and alive” and said she is not hiding from law enforcement.

Wednesday, October 26, 2022, the Chatham County Police Department issued a statement on the ongoing search:

“We are now three weeks into our search for Quinton Simon, and finding him remains the top priority for the Chatham County Police Department. We are committed to providing Quinton with the professional, detailed, and thorough investigation he deserves.

Thanks to the expertise of the FBI, who were on the ground with us w/in 3 hours of Quinton being reported missing, we have had the advantage of using every investigative & technological tool available.

No expense has been spared, no work has been deemed too much or too difficult to undertake.

The exhaustive search of the landfill where we believe Quinton’s remains are located continues. As we told you last week, this is not a quick process.

At the same time, our investigative case team is working diligently to gather all evidence to determine the facts in this case.

The search for Quinton has been the most massive undertaking ever for our department and has involved the work of well over 100 law enforcement and civilian personnel.

We would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance with manpower, expertise, and equipment during the last three weeks: FBI, GBI, Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Savannah Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham Emergency Management Agency, Chatham Emergency Services, Savannah Fire Department, Chatham County Parks and Recreation, Chatham County Occupational Safety, Waste Management”

Friday, October 28, 2022

Chatham County Police share additional photos from the search.

Monday, October 31, 2022

The search at the landfill resumes.

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Four weeks have passed since Quinton was last seen.

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Following yet another arrest outside Quinton Simon’s home, Chatham County Police say they will take measures to limit protests outside the home.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

The landfill search is suspended due to Tropical Storm Nicole.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Chatham County Police release a statement saying, as work resumes on the landfill search, there is no scheduled end date, but the search has been physically, mentally, and emotionally burdensome on the dozens of law enforcement professionals who are working to find Quinton’s remains.

Friday, November 18, 2022

Police discover possible human remains in the Chatham County landfill. Testing confirmed the remains were indeed human. Authorities are awaiting DNA test results to confirm the remains are those of Quinton Simon. Later that day, Quinton Simon’s babysitter holds a candlelight vigil in his honor.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Police announce they are pausing the landfill search so that searchers and support teams can take a necessary break. The pause coincides with Waste Management’s holiday schedule for the week.

Monday, November 21, 2022

Leilani Simon was charged with the murder of her missing toddler, as well as concealing the death of another, false statements or writings to conceal facts or fraudulent documents in matters of government, and false report of a crime. Preliminary findings show the remains found at the landfill are human. Authorities believe the remains are those of Quinton.

On November 23, 2022,

On November 23, 2022, Leilani Simon’s first court hearing was held at 11 a.m. However, Simon did not attend the hearing in person. Instead, she was represented by her court-appointed attorney, who waived her right to a bond hearing. As a result, a Chatham County judge denied bond.

Monday, November 28, 2022

The FBI confirmed the remains discovered at the landfill are those of Quinton. A preliminary hearing for Leilani is scheduled for January 11, 2023.

Monday, December 12, 2022

Quinton’s grandmother, Billie Jo Howell, is found in contempt of court and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

Wednesday, December 14, 2022

District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones announces 19 indictments against Leilani Simon, including malice murder, felony murder, one count of concealing his death, and several counts of making false statements during the investigation. The indictments cancel plans for the preliminary hearing.

Monday, January 9, 2023

Leilani Simon’s lawyers ask the court to review all Department of Family & Children Services files related to her, Quinton, and his two siblings, their fathers, and her mother, Billie Jo Howell. According to court records, Simon requests an ‘in camera’ inspection of the records to ensure she’ll receive a fair trial. The hearing is set for January 25.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Leilani Simon was absent from her court hearing, where a stand-in judge heard arguments from prosecutors about why media access should be denied at the murder trial. The judge did not rule on the matter.

Friday, January 27, 2023

The state subpoenas Aspen Dental for its records pertaining to the dental treatment of Leilani Simon from Oct. 1, 2022, to Oct. 5, 2022. Also subpoenaed any journals, diaries, and other writings of Leilani Simon currently in the possession of her mother, Billie Jo Howell.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Billie Jo Howell hands over several notebooks and journals belonging to her daughter, Leilani Simon. Both prosecutors and defense attorneys make their case as to why there should be no broadcast or recording of Leilani’s trial.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Leilani Simon’s attorney files a petition seeking bond. A bond hearing and arraignment are set for March 23.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Leilani Simon was denied bond and waived a formal reading of the charges against her. She pleads not guilty.

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

The FBI confirms that Quinton’s remains were flown back to Georgia after months of analysis.

August 24, 2023

Leilani Simon received her GED diploma at the Chatham County Detention Facility GED

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Jury selection for the trial of Leilani Simon is set to begin on October 9 in Chatham County Superior Court.

Wednesday. October 10, 2024

Jury selection begins in the trial of Leilani Simon, accused of murdering her 20-month-old son. Twenty-one jurors qualified, and 15 were struck for cause during Wednesday’s selection process.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

10 a.m A motions hearing where the state seeks clarifications from Chatham County Superior Court Judge Tammy Stokes on a recent court order. Jury selection will resume on Friday morning.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Jury selection is complete for the trial Leilani Simon trial accused of killing her 20-month-old son, Quinton Simon.. The jury is comprised of 10 men and six women.

Opening Statements are set for Monday, October 14, at 9 a.m., and October 16, 2024.

Trial Testimony:

Forensic Anthropologist Angi Christensen, from the FBI office in Quantico, Virginia, testified that she received 12 photographs in mid-November 2022 depicting bones. Upon analysis, she confirmed that the bones were human and estimated the child’s age at between one and two years old.
Leilani Simon’s ex-boyfriend, Daniel Youngkin, testified that his relationship with Leilani Simon was deteriorating, marked by her invasions of his privacy and frequent work tardiness. They were saving to move out of her parents’ home. When Quinton went missing, Youngkin rushed home but found Leilani outside without having called the police, prompting him to do so.
He also revealed that the FBI wiretapped his phone and used surveillance in an October 8, 2022, hotel stay to gather evidence, with Leilani accusing him of cooperating with authorities.

October 23, 2024

10:39 a.m. – Judge Tammy Stokes calls the court into session.
10:48 a.m. – Sherri Fentress, FBI DNA analyst, says she was asked to perform a kinship analysis or an evaluation of relatedness between individuals on remains that consisted of bone and tissue identified as those of Quinton’s.
10:56 a.m. – The defense cross-examines Sherri Fentress about the process.
11:04 a.m. – The state called on Dr. Cynthia Morris-Kukoski, an FBI examiner-toxicologist who performed a forensic toxicology analysis in this case. Morris-Kukoski explains how she analyzed some brain tissue found within the frontal bone for cocaine and cocaine metabolites.
11:16 a.m. – The defense cross-examines. Morris-Kukoski says she also tested for other substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and did not detect any.
1:38 p.m. – The state calls Dr. Lora Darrisaw, Medical Examiner at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Dr. Darrisaw says that, following the FBI investigation into part of Quinton Simon’s skeleton, she was sent to inventory the bones.
1:48 p.m. – The defense cross-examines Dr. Darrisaw on the matter of whether she could determine asphyxiation in her role in the autopsy.
1:56 p.m. – Marian Lemmons, CCPD, returns to the stand. The prosecution plays a security video from inside the Circle K.
2:22 p.m. – The prosecution plays a video of Lemmons and Brad Snider questioning Leilani about the cereal in the back of the car.
2:25 p.m. – The prosecution shows a slideshow showing the house at different times and an image of Gerber rice cereal, similar to what was found in the back of the car.
2:31 p.m. – The prosecution and Lemmons introduce a video from the questioning of Leilani, regarding the changing of stories from Leilani. Leilani claimed in the video that the last thing she remembered was looking at Quinton.
2:58 p.m. – The prosecution presents another video, in which Leilani says she remembers a trash bag, then claims she didn’t remember a trash bag when she was asked if she used one to dispose of Quinton’s body. The prosecution asked Leilani why her stories keep changing.
3:03 p.m. – In the video, Leilani referred to her changing stories as her “theories”.
3:28 p.m. – The defense questions Lemmons about how Simons was questioned.
3:32 p.m. – Lemmons says that a scientist did not determine Quinton’s cause of death.
Lemmons says that Simons said that she did not remember when the defense asked her if Simons ever said she killed or disposed of Quinton’s body.
3:35 p.m. – The state rests its case.
3:38 p.m. – The defense says for counts one, two, three, and four that they move for acquittal. He says that the evidence is circumstantial, and the state could not prove that Simons killed Quinton.
3:42 p.m. – The prosecution says that their evidence is direct and circumstantial. Dean says that the defense’s understanding of the medical examiner’s testimony is backward.
3:45 p.m. – Judge Tammy Stokes finds that there is sufficient evidence for the charges and denies the motion to acquit.
3:46 p.m. – Simon is called to the witness stand, but she declines to testify.
4:10 p.m. – Defense attorney Hillard rests their case.

October 24, 2022, Jury deliberations underway in Leilani Simon

1:10 p.m.: Closing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense.
2:28 p.m.: Judge Tammy Stokes is giving instructions to the jury before they deliberate.
3:00 p.m.: Judge Stokes has asked the jury to retire to the deliberation room.
3:13 p.m.: Deliberations have officially begun.
5:00 p.m.: Jurors have asked for 11 more copies of the indictment.

October 25, 2022,

Jury Deliberations Reconvene

9:25 a.m. – Judge Tammy Stokes calls the court into session. The judge gave the jurors instructions not to discuss the case or conduct any research and released them back to the deliberation room to resume deliberations.
2:35 PM Leilani Simon found Guilty