Leilani Simon, accused of murdering young son, arraigned and denied bond
Leilani Simon faces 19 counts including malice murder, felony murder and concealing the death of another in the death of her 20-month-old son, Quinton.
Leilani Simon faces 19 counts including malice murder, felony murder and concealing the death of another in the death of her 20-month-old son, Quinton.
Leilani Simon faces 19 counts including malice murder, felony murder and concealing the death of another in the death of her 20-month-old son, Quinton.
A mother accused of killing her toddler and dumping his body in a dumpster at a Savannah mobile home park was arraigned Thursday morning.
Dressed in a floral top, black slacks and face mask, Leilani Simon, 23, was joined by a team of three defense attorneys.
Simon faces 19 counts including malice murder, felony murder and concealing the death of another in the October 2022 death of her 20-month-old son, Quinton.
When escorted into the courtroom, Simon was cuffed and stared directly at the news camera that was set up as she walked to the defense table.
The hearing began shortly after nine, with Judge Tammy Stokes ruling that cameras would be allowed to film Thursday's hearing despite objections from the state and defense.
After issuing the ruling, the judge heard arguments for bond.
Simon's attorneys argued that she should be released because she's from Savannah, stayed in town when she was still considered a person of interest, and because there is a Department of Family and Children Services case plan in place.
Assistant Public Defender Kaitlyn Walker said that it was Simon's hope to reunite with her other two children, a nine-month-old girl and a four-year-old boy.
RELATED
- Quinton Simon: A full timeline surrounding the death of Savannah toddler, investigation of mother
- FBI confirms remains found in Savannah landfill belong to missing toddler Quinton Simon
- Leilani Simon indicted on murder charges in death of 20-month-old son Quinton
The state responded with a nine page pre-filed response arguing against Simon's release.
Ultimately Judge Stokes denied bond saying that Simon was still considered a flight risk.
Leilani Simon waived her right to a formal reading of the charges against her and pleaded not guilty.
Quinton Simon was reported missing from his Buckhalter Road home on Oct. 5, 2022.
Below file video: Quinton Simon's mother arrested, charged with murder
Roughly six weeks later, his remains were discovered at a landfill.
Noticeably absent from today's hearing was Simon's mother, Billie Jo Howell, who appeared before Judge Stokes during a hearing in February to turn over several notebooks and writings belonging to her daughter.
Her defense team is trying to have the murder charges thrown out saying in a filing Monday that the grand jury was not presented with enough information to make an informed decision.
They are also trying to quash four false statement counts.
A hearing will be scheduled later.