Missing Savannah toddler Quinton Simon believed to be dead. His mother is the primary suspect

SAVANNAH — A toddler who has been missing since Oct. 5 is believed by police to be dead and his mother has been named the primary suspect in the investigation.

Quinton Simon was last seen in the area of his home on Buckhalter Road in Savannah. The 20-month-old’s story has made headlines nationwide, and today the Chatham County Police Department added a sad chapter to the story with the announcement that FBI officials believe Quinton to be deceased.

Police have named the child’s mother, Leilani Simon, as the primary suspect, but no arrests have been made.

Below is a statement from Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley.

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“As you know, our investigation over the last eight days has led us to the heartbreaking conclusion that 20-month-old Quinton Simon is deceased. We have named his mother, Leilani Simon, as the primary suspect in Quinton’s disappearance and death. We have not made an arrest or filed any charges in this case.

“From the moment we received a 9-1-1 call reporting Quinton missing, we have conducted an exhaustive search for him. Sadly, we still have not found Quinton. But, our search and our investigation will continue. And, it will continue with every available resource we have in order to give Quinton’s family closure, and see that justice is served in this case.

“I would like to thank the FBI for their invaluable expertise and assistance during our search, and for the help they will continue to provide moving forward.

“We know that millions of people fell in love with Quinton Simon the moment they saw his face and learned of his disappearance. We have seen the outpouring of love and concern for this child – and the outpouring of grief at the latest developments in his case. The men and women of the Chatham County Police Department share that same sadness. But, we also feel a determination to keep working as hard as we can – and for as long as we have to – to find Quinton.”