**CLOSING ARGUMENTS + VERDICT** Leilani Simon Murder Trial Day 8 Justice for Baby Quinton

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Quinton Simon was reported missing by his mother, Leilani Simon, on the morning of October 5, 2022. A week later, on October 12, Chatham County Police named Leilani as the prime suspect in her son's disappearance. An extensive search, including a landfill investigation led by the police and the FBI, resulted in the discovery of partial remains identified as Quinton’s on November 18.
Leilani Simon, then 22, was arrested three days later and charged with malice murder, concealing the death of another, and making false reports. She was denied bail by a superior court judge. The search for Quinton initially involved a seven-day effort by police, but it took nearly 40 days before Leilani was officially charged. Experts confirmed the remains found were indeed Quinton's after being sent to the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia.
Prosecutors later indicted Leilani on 19 counts in December 2022, alleging that she beat Quinton to death with an object before disposing of his body in a dumpster near a mobile home park. Initially, Leilani reported that she woke up to find the front door open and her son missing, fearing he had wandered away from their Savannah, Georgia home. However, tensions escalated when she was seen drinking at a bar during the search, leading to public outcry.
Leilani's mother, Miss Howell, reportedly tipped off authorities about her daughter's involvement. Testimonies from a babysitter revealed a troubling dynamic, noting that Leilani's relationship with Quinton lacked affection compared to her other children. The babysitter was initially scheduled to watch Quinton and his brother but was told not to come early that morning.
Despite the circumstances, Leilani maintained her innocence during a local news interview, expressing hope that Quinton would be found safe and pledging to turn herself in if proven at fault. Her mother expressed uncertainty about trusting Leilani while lamenting the loss of her grandchild.