Leilani Simon Arrested; – A woman from Georgia, found guilty of murdering her 20-month-old son, has received a life sentence in prison. On Thursday, Judge Tammy Stokes sentenced Leilani Simon to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole, in addition to 10 years.
Simon was convicted on all 19 charges against her on October 25, related to the death of her son, Quinton Simon. These charges included Malice Murder, Felony Murder, and Making a False Statement. Quinton Simon was reported missing on October 5, 2022. It was only six days later that Leilani was identified as the sole suspect in both his disappearance and subsequent death. On November 18, 2022, Quinton’s remains were discovered in a landfill in Chatham County, leading to Leilani’s arrest three days afterward.
Prosecution
The sentence handed down to Leilani Simon did not meet the demands of the prosecution. Special Assistant District Attorney Tim Dean urged Judge Stokes to impose a harsher penalty, advocating for a life sentence without the possibility of parole, an additional 65 years, and a fine of $17,000.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors highlighted Simon’s conduct during the investigation and following her arrest, noting that she falsely implicated innocent individuals, was seen drinking on the night the search for Quinton’s body was announced, and maintained correspondence with a convicted child molester while incarcerated. The lead detective in the case testified, stating that Simon had not shown any accountability for her actions.
“In all of these statements of hers that you’ve listened to, the interviews, things witnesses have told you she said, jail communications, and so forth, at any point, has she ever actually accepted responsibility for what she’s now been convicted of?” Dean inquired.
“No, she hasn’t,” responded Lead Detective Marian Lemmons. Dean urged the judge to impose a significant sentence to convey a message not only to Simon but also to society, emphasizing the emotional impact this case has had on all parties involved.
Defense
Leilani Simon faced only two potential outcomes in this case.
