Why haven't police arrested Quinton Simon's mother? Legal expert discusses missing toddler case
The Chatham County Police Department named Leilani Simon a 'prime suspect' Thursday in her son Quinton Simon's disappearance and death.
The Chatham County Police Department named Leilani Simon a 'prime suspect' Thursday in her son Quinton Simon's disappearance and death.
The Chatham County Police Department named Leilani Simon a 'prime suspect' Thursday in her son Quinton Simon's disappearance and death.
Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley announced Thursday that Leilani Simon has been named the prime suspect in the disappearance and death of her son, 20-month-old Quinton Simon.
Chatham County police said at this point, Simon is presumed dead. His body has not been located.
Leilani Simon has not been arrested yet. No charges have been filed against her.
Philip Holloway, a legal analyst, gave some insight into why police may be holding off on making an arrest.
"The fact that she has not been arrested, at least not yet, tells me [police] are working very carefully to cross their T's and dot all their I's," Holloway said.
Holloway said the reason Simon hasn't been arrested may have to do with the that fact police haven't found Quinton Simon's body yet.
"They need to find the remains if they can because even though it's not required to have a body to prosecute a murder under Georgia law, it's always better if they can identify a cause and manner of death," he said.
Holloway told WJCL police may also just be making sure their case is rock solid before moving forward with an arrest.
"If they make mistakes now, it could actually jeopardize the long-term success of the prosecution when they have to prove somebody's guilt," he said.
Chief Jeff Hadley told reporters on Thursday that they don't believe Leilani Simon is a flight risk. Holloway said that means she may not have the means to travel. It could also mean investigators have taken steps to ensure she won't go anywhere.
"It's possible they have maybe taken passports and things that would prevent someone's ability to leave. They've got their reasons for deciding she's not a flight risk. I don't know what those are, but I would surmise it's got something to do with all those factors," Holloway said.
At the end of the day, Holloway said from a legal standpoint, what police are doing now could help prosecutors should this ever go to trial.
"They know a prosecutor is going to have to get into court at some point in the future and prove this case to a jury satisfaction beyond a reasonable doubt," he said.
For a full recap of what has happened in this case, click here.