Leilani Simon found guilty of murder in death of her 20-month-old son

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A jury has found Leilani Simon, the woman accused of killing her 20-month-old son Quinton Simon, guilty on all charges.

Count 1 - Malice Murder: Guilty
Count 2 - Felony Murder: Guilty
Count 3 - Felony Murder: Guilty
Count 4 - Concealing the Death of Another: Guilty
Count 5 - False Report of a Crime: Guilty
Count 6 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 7 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 8 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 9 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 10 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 11 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 12 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 13 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 14 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 15 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 16 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 17 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 18 - Making a False Statement: Guilty
Count 19 - Making a False Statement: Guilty

Leilani was facing a 19 count indictment, accusing her of malice murder, felony murder, concealing the death of another, and making false statements.

Quinton was reported missing on October 5, 2022. It wasn’t until six days later that Leilani was named as the only suspect in his disappearance and death.

On November 18, 2022, Quinton’s remains were found in a Chatham County landfill. Leilani was arrested three days later.

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The jury’s verdict comes after eight days of witness testimony. The State and the Defense both rested their cases on Wednesday.

Both sides gave their closing arguments on Thursday.

Jury deliberations began Thursday afternoon around 3 p.m. The jury left before 5 p.m. for the night.

The jury began deliberations again Friday morning around 9:30 a.m. After almost seven hours of deliberation, they cam to their conclusion.

After the verdict, Leilani’s mother, Billie Jo Howell, released a statement Friday saying, “Our family is devastated and Quinton deserves justice. We want Quinton home so he can be laid to rest. I hate that I’m not there for Leilani-we love her but do not stand by any of this.”