SAVANNAH, Ga. – A woman from Chatham County has received her sentence after being found guilty of killing her 20-month-old son.
Leilani Simon was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole and an additional 10 years on Thursday.
Here’s a summary of the sentence details:
- Malice Murder: Life in prison with the possibility of parole.
- Felony Murder: This charge was vacated.
- Concealing the Death of Another: 10 years, to be served after the life sentence.
- Various charges of making false statements, all carrying concurrent sentences of 5 years.
Leilani Simon was convicted on October 25, for multiple charges, including Malice Murder and making false statements. Her son, Quinton Simon, was reported missing on October 5, 2022, and six days later, Leilani became the main suspect in his disappearance. Tragically, Quinton’s remains were discovered in a landfill on November 18, 2022, leading to Leilani’s arrest shortly after.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors highlighted Simon’s lack of remorse. "She doesn’t seem sorry at all,” said Special Assistant District Attorney Tim Dean. An emotional testimony was given by the daughter of Quinton’s babysitter, who described how much she misses the child.
New details emerged during the hearing, including that Simon was drinking the night investigators searched the landfill for Quinton and had a relationship with a convicted child molester while in jail.
Prosecutors requested that she serve life plus 65 years as a strong message about the impact of her actions. They emphasized a letter Simon sent from jail, insisting there was no evidence against her, which reflected her failure to accept responsibility.
The lead detective also disclosed that a memorial has been set up at the landfill where Quinton was found.
Throughout the trial, Simon’s family painted a more complex picture of her. While they shared their love and described her as smart and caring in her childhood, they also revealed the struggles she faced due to her mother’s addiction.
Her mother, Billie Jo Howell, acknowledged her failures in raising Simon, stating that drugs had a devastating impact on their lives. “I failed her as a mom… but his life, his body, his love will never be seen or fulfilled due to the influence of drugs,” Howell said.
Ultimately, Simon’s family requested she receive a life sentence with the possibility of parole, which the judge granted. They expressed a desire for her to have a chance at rehabilitation.
In addition, the court addressed the handling of Quinton’s remains, which Simon requested to be released for burial, despite potential complications for further investigations.
Simon now has 30 days to file an appeal, and several outcomes are possible, including the denial of the appeal, a reversal of the verdict, or a new trial being granted.
