The Misery Machine - The Case of Quinton Simon

Episode Date: July 7, 2025

This week, Drewby and Yergy head down to Savannah, Georgia, to discuss the case of Quinton Simon, and adorable little boy born to a drug addicted mother, Leilani Simon. At the time of our story, Quinton and his siblings were living in the home of their grandmother, Billie Jo Howell, when one morning, Quinton went missing. Eventually, all signs pointed to his mother, 22-year-old Leilani, and after weeks of searching through mounds of trash in a landfill, pieces of the toddler were finally recovered.  Support Our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themiserymachine PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/themiserymachine Join Our Facebook Group: https://t.co/DeSZIIMgXs?amp=1 Instagram: miserymachinepodcast Twitter: misery_podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/kCCzjZM #themiserymachine #podcast #truecrime Source Materials: https://www.wjcl.com/article/quinton-simon-home-up-for-sale/46306130 https://www.wjcl.com/article/quinton-simon-landfill-search-murder-trial/62674115 Leilani Simon asks for new trial, is transferred to prison Leilani Simon sentenced to life with possibility of parole in death of her son Quinton Oruta Ruth Simon (2021-2022) - Find a Grave Memorial New findings released following investigation on Georgia’s foster care system Quinton Oruta "Ruth" Simon Obituary (2022) | Savannah, Georgia ‘My baby’s not dead’: Heated exchange between grandmother, babysitter of missing Georgia toddler caught on camera | WSAV-TV Grandmother of Quinton Simon sentenced to 10 days in jail for violating court order Babysitter ‘very concerned’ about Quinton Simon as mother’s trial continues in his killing Quinton Simon family home in Savannah on the market One year anniversary of Quinton Simon's disappearance Quinton Simon | WSAV.com Day 8 of Leilani Simon murder trial ‘Heartbreaking’: Day 7 of Leilani Simon murder trial focuses on search for Quinton’s remains Week 2 of Leilani Simon murder trial opens with FBI testimony Day 5 of Leilani Simon murder trial Memorial set up outside of toddler’s home as investigation continues Leilani Simon murder trial day 4: Prosecution paints picture of abuse for toddler Quinton | FOX 5 Atlanta Leilani Simon, Sentenced to Life for Murder of 20-Month-Old Son, Wants Child’s Remains Given to Her Brother Quinton Simon: Grandmother of Slain Tot Calls FBI After Accused Murderer Mom Checks out of Rehab Hours Before Arrest – Crime Online Quinton Simon: Babysitter reveals odd text before toddler’s disappearance | The Independent Savannah Murder Trial: Babysitter Testifies Against Leilani Simon Its been almost 2 years since Quinton Simon died. When will his mother go to trial? Georgia toddler Quinton Simon remembered as 'fun, smart, loving little monkey' | Fox News Heartbreaking obituary released for toddler found dead in Georgia landfill – WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta Search continues for Chatham Co. toddler last seen Wednesday morning One week since the disappearance of Quinton Simon Police resume search at home of missing toddler Chatham County Police seize evidence in missing toddler case UPDATE: Chatham Co. PD provides new tips number for missing toddler Police searching for missing 20-month-old child on Buckhalter Rd. Quinton Simon's Mother Leilani Simon Convicted of Murdering Toddler Georgia mother sentenced to life for killing son Quinton Simon whose body was found in landfill https://www.yourtango.com/crime/quinton-simon-grandmother-billie-jo-howell-claims-toddler-drowned https://www.instagram.com/itsdannyyoungkin/ https://www.newsnationnow.com/missing/babysitter-quinton-simon-may-have-drowned/ https://www.crimeonline.com/2022/11/23/quinton-simon-grandmother-of-missing-tot-calls-fbi-afte-accused-murderer-mom-checks-out-of-rehab-hours-before-arrest/ https://nypost.com/2022/10/26/quinton-simon-may-have-drowned-in-bath-while-mom-was-high-report/

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to comply with YouTube's guidelines. We aim to provide informative, factual journalism on a tragic event in the public interest that is not dismiss its seriousness. All clips are used under the doctrine of fair use for news reporting and analysis. Quinton Aruta Ruth Simon was born on October 5th, 2020 in Hinesville, Georgia to parents Lelani Marie Simon and Henry Moss Jr. Quentin had two siblings and all three of Lelani's children had different fathers. Quentin spent most of his early life living under the roof of his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Billy Howell, at their home on Buck Hall,

Road in Savannah. Those closest to Quentin described him as a bubbly and loving toddler. He was fascinated by gadgets like remotes, phones, and tablets, and had a soft spot for animated shows like PJ Masks, Paw Patrol, and Dragon Tales. His personality sparkled even in the simplest gestures. He'd wrapped his arms around people's legs and warm hugs and flash his signature grin. If he achieved something, he gleefully exclaimed, boom, then bolted away giggling. He looked up to his older brother and followed him everywhere.

His babysitter, Diana MacArthur, also referred to as Michelle McCartre in some sources, remembered him tenderly, calling him precious. She even had photos of him scattered throughout her home. In late 2021, Laylani had been employed at a Love's truck stop near Fayetteville, North Carolina. Now, job ended badly when she was caught shoplifting two packs of cigarettes, popcorn, and lemonade. He was charged with felony theft and was sentenced. to probation for a year, 48 hours of community service, and about $400 in fines. Family members, including his extended relatives, remain nearby and deeply involved in Quentin's

life. Grandmother Billy shared that she began raising Quentin and his older brother when he was just five years old. In April of 2022, Lelani's brother, Paul, returned home to live with the rest of the family. By the fall of 2022, 20-year-old Lelani had moved back into her parents' place with her boyfriend, Daniel Youngkin, who was also the father of her newborn baby. Paul later shared that Laylani and Daniel often argued with each other. Still, he believed Laylani appreciated Daniel's willingness to step into a caregiving role, even if it wasn't something that he had truly wanted. Daniel recalled first meeting Laylani when she appeared to be someone trying to turn her life

around. But over time, the relationship began to break down. He described being both verbally and physically mistreated by her. He said one of the reasons he stayed was their shared child. child and because he had developed a bond with all three of her kids, including Quentin. But things escalated in September. On the seventh, Lelani contacted the police and said her mother had physically attacked her. When they arrived, Paul told the police that Lelani had a habit of stealing money from the family and then using it to buy drugs. The following day, Billy

filed for eviction, stating that the couple was causing too much chaos and damaging her home, and that they, along with the three children, should leave. She again, explained her decision planly, saying, we want to live in peace, and that's just not possible with all the turmoil they bring. The eviction process moved forward. On September 16th, the sheriff's office sent out an official notice. By September 26, Laylani had received it. Two days later, the legal system got involved once more. Georgia's state court issued a child support ruling, and Lailani was ordered to pay her mother $150 each month beginning on November 1st, 2022. The amount could be reduced to $100 if fewer children were living with Billy at the time.

By October 3rd, Diana, the babysitter who frequently cared for Lelani's children, adjusted her rate to $200 a week. At that point, Lelani also was dealing with separate legal issues. She was still on probation in Burke County after stealing $50 worth of coins from a neighbor camper. Laylani had claimed she only did it because the father of her child pushed her into it, saying he couldn't fit through the window himself. Around this time, Daniel had been misusing drugs and alcohol. On the night of October 4th, Laylani left her home to meet with a drug dealer. At 1029 p.m., cameras spotted her at a Circle K gas station driving a Dodge journey. Three minutes after that,

she messaged her boyfriend, Daniel, with gonna run to 204, I guess, referencing a local highway that was well known as a drug pickup location. By 1049 p.m. she set $80 via cash app to a man named Timothy Wagner for drugs. At 10.55 p.m. she showed up at a dealer's home and left around 1133 p.m. However, this timeline conflicts with later reports that she returned home by 1110 p.m. and used Coke shortly afterwards. During the early morning hours of October 5th, Lelani violently attacked Quentin with a blunt object. It is not known whether or Quentin died instantly or not, but what we do know is that afterwards, she wrapped his body in a sheet and drove to the Azalea Mobile Home Plaza just a mile and a half from her home, where she dropped him into a dumpster

shortly after midnight. The security camera at the location captured a woman who resembled Lelani during something wrapped into the dumpster at around 1 a.m. However, the footage was too poor quality to be useful. We're in a corporal Gary Scott Coleman of the Chatham County Police. That camera wasn't made for outdoor use. We live in Savannah. It's damp. It's muggy. Camera isn't weatherproof and no images or video could be pulled from it. At 140 a.m., her phone became active. It's plugged in, then unplugged, and unlocked, but after 201 a.m., there was no more activity. Elani returned home and behaved as if everything was normal. She eventually went to bed. Approximately 5.15 a.m., Daniel attempted to wake her up so they could leave for their shared shift at work.

She didn't respond to him. Wanting to avoid the cost of a sitter, he texted Diana at 5.20 a.m. saying, hey, the kids are going to stay here with her today. Diana replied at 529 a.m. with a simple okay. Still, Diana found it strange, especially since she usually watched the kids even when Lelani didn't have work. By 6 a.m., Daniel had left for his job. apparently having a short commute because he was recorded having clocked in about 11 minutes later. Around 9 in the morning, Diana got a message asking if she knew where Quentin was. During all this, Billy was in Illinois for a temp job.

When Diana contacted her, she immediately made her way back to Savannah. 9.14 a.m. Lelani called Daniel. On her phone call, she told him she had just woken up, noticed the front door was open, and then realized Quentin was missing. 9.15 a.m., Daniel clocked out while still on the floor. phone with her. But ADT security data would show that the door hadn't been touched until 9.22 a.m., which was eight minutes after her call with Daniel. By the time Billy arrived home, police had already cordoned off the scene with tape and she wasn't allowed to stay on the property. By noon,

law enforcement had fully mobilized. Officers closed down Jared Avenue between Chatham Parkway and Louis B. Mills Road to support the search operation. Mounted patrols, FBI, agents and police officers zeroed in on areas near the residence where Quentin was last seen. Lelani initially told the police that Quentin's father may have taken him, but by the time it was 2.30 p.m., authorities had coordinated and confirmed that Quentin was not with his father. Authorities hadn't officially declared the case in abduction, and there was no immediate proof of foul play. However, they confirmed that everyone tied to Quentin was being questioned. Locals didn't wait to act.

Neighbors joined forces walking nearby streets and woods, offering any tips they had, desperate for the boy to be found unharmed. Tyler Edenfield, who lived close by, said, I just want him found safe. That's all that's been on my mind since I heard about it around 10 this morning. Residents came home to find their quiet neighborhood turned into a major investigation site. One woman said she first thought it was a burglary until social media updates revealed that a child had disappeared. The tension across the area was impossible to ignore. Stacey Smiley,

who had joined the volunteers, said the situation made her stomach turn, stating, I couldn't imagine having my child go missing, whatever I can do to help the community and the parents to try to find their child. People from other counties also started arriving, hoping they could help find a little boy. It's devastating. I told my daughter before we left, I can't even imagine what it would feel like if one of my babies went missing. That evening, the police wrapped up the ground search for the day. The helicopters kept scanning the area overhead. The following morning, October 6th, police chief Jeff Hadley addressed the public.

Le Case was still considered a missing person's investigation. He made it clear that no possibilities had been dismissed. He was quoted saying, We don't have any concrete belief in any one theory or any one thing, so we are very concerned about Quentin. We are hoping we can find him safe and bring him home to his parents. By this stage, local authorities had finished sweeping the immediate area near the house and executed a search warrant that allowed them access to the home.

Operation had now expanded. Sheriff's deputies, the FBI, trained dogs, and search teams were all on the ground. Among those most emotionally shaken was Diana, who had looked after Quentin often. She said, my gut tells me something is very wrong, but my heart and we are praying, hoping God will intervene and he's okay. Residents like Tyler Edenfield were also taking matters into their own hands, saying, we all took a trip down Gerard, all the woods, and we've been just about any area as far as the area they are concentrating at.

Quinn's grandmother, Billy, spoke candidly during an interview with WTOC TV, she said, my mind has thought the worst, and it's prayed for the best. You know, I couldn't imagine that she would hurt one of her kids, but I can't say the thought hasn't gone through my mind 100,000 times. By October 7th, police released a phone number for 10. I knew about investing, but I really didn't know how to go about it. Meet Corey, a Walthfront client. With Welfront, it could put money in,

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to call 911 immediately. While Lelani had already been interviewed by investigators, police made it clear she had not been labeled a suspect. She had also stressed the need for caution, stating, we have to make sure that we're doing the right thing, that were being lawful. So if we discover evidence, it can be admissible in court. Still, emotions were running high, he admitted.

I am frustrated because we don't know what happened to Quentin. Think about how many people love him. On October 11th, the department revealed a potential piece of evidence had been located, though it didn't disclose what it was at that time. They shared they were analyzing the evidence to see where it was going to lead them. The FBI stayed involved in, though the public wanted answers, the department reminded everyone that releasing too much information could interfere with the case. Then on October 12th, officers returned to the Buckhulter Road home with dogs and a forensic team.

Next evening on October 13th, about 20 locals met at Daffin Park for a candlelight vigil, quietly grieving, hoping, and praying together for Quentin. Even with grief hanging heavy, many still clung to their faith. One woman spoke quietly. praying i pray that he is laying up there in jesus's arms right now not suffering as more time passed without answers the spotlight moved to leilani on october 12th 2022 chatham county police chief jeff hadley said that after multiple interviews and forensic checks there was now a reason to believe that the child is deceased and leilani had become the main focus of the investigation

authorities later revealed they believe quentin's body had been thrown into a dumpster that was later emptied at a landfill near Savannah. On October 15th, the tribute to Quentin was created outside the house where he had last been seen. People came not just from Savannah, but from neighboring towns like Pooleur and Guyton. The growing display included stuffed animals, books, flowers, and personal tokens from strangers who had never met Quentin but still wanted to show their support. Tiffany Hester Fimphone came by and left a donation. She voiced what many were starting to question, and I quote, none of her story matched up.

No parent would do that. I have a three-year-old and a five-year-old. I'd call them within a second. Billy, Quentin's grandmother, said the memorial gave her some emotional comfort in the middle of her heartbreak. She publicly thanked those who came to show their love and remember her grandson. But not long after another event drew concern. Billy reportedly entered Diana's home uninvited and angry. She was furious about the memorial being held at all.

She insisted her grandson was still alive and accused Diana of seeking attention. Diana recorded the confrontation as Billy yelled, This is my baby, not yours, and appeared to provoke her into a fight. Diana later said she felt like Billy was trying to place blame elsewhere. Yeah, I did. Yeah, I did. I didn't pay for your family, your entire family. Your entire family, keep recording.

Don't take my phone. Keep recording. Don't take my phone. Good, you were wrong. You were wrong. You were wrong. I beg you to help. I begged you to help.

Put that on social media. I begged you to help. Oh, yeah. And I begged you to help. I said, hey, Michelle, please get the kids. You're a liar. Take them. I'll give you three headlines.

I'm a liar. I'm about to put it all over. Good. Good, because you're awful to say you're going to put a memorial. My baby's not dead. You are a liar. My baby's not dead. My baby's not dead.

You're a liar. You're a liar. No, you are. You are. My baby's not dead. I thought she was a woman of God. I thought you were a woman of God. I am.

You got Quinn? Do you have quitting? I don't have quitting. Maybe you do. Maybe you do. You got it. You got it. You got it.

Go in my house. It takes them all the time. Oh, yeah. Go ahead. We do not go over house. In the meantime, police drained the backyard pool at Billy's property. An old Facebook post showed she had asked for help repairing it, though it was taken down later. Investigators implied something recently discovered there,

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Someone on Deepop wants what you've got. Start selling now. Deepop, where taste, record. Despite their efforts, officers were aware of the challenge they faced. In their words, the odds of recovering Quentin's remains were low. Most landfill searches do not end in recovery due to many factors, including volume of trash to search and compression of the debris. However, we stay focused. The search at the landfill went on for over a month. We reached a turning point on November 18th, 2022, when agents came across what looked like human remains. FBI's special agent

Savannah Solomon, who had been managing the operation, confirmed the discovery. She explained that she had been at the U.S. Attorney's Office when she got the news that a skull had been found. Without hesitation, she left the building and headed back to the landfill. She explained how everyone was looking very carefully and that they knew they were looking for small pieces of a small child. Even while the search was underway, trucks continued delivering waste from places as distant as Statesboro. All of it was being packed and layered, adding to the challenge. To get through the enormous piles of compacted garbage, crews used bulldozers to remove sections of debris and then comb through it inch by inch. Every time something was found that might be evidence, it was taken straight to a designated

tent nearby. According to Agent Solomon, he was strewn when he was compacted into his place of rest at the time. She revealed that the remains were not located in one tight space. They were scattered over an area that stretched longer than a football field, stating, many searchers found many pieces of him. Agent Solomon also broke down the process of how Quentin's remains were moved from the site to the FBI's lab in Quantico, Virginia. She shared that they wrapped the box and drove him to Macon. From there, his remains were sent to Atlanta and finally flown on a federal aircraft of Quantico, where his identity was officially confirmed. Some of the remains identified included parts of his skull and limbs, as well as a piece of skin. The FBI agent leading the landfill search testified that Cruz found the top half of Quentin's skull, a severed foot, with an ankle bone and toes intact, and a swath of skin going the length of his body.

experts pointed out that the search team had endured freezing landfill conditions for over a month and a half to gather tiny fragments before confirming Clinton's identity. What was that like doing that for, I don't know, five weeks or whatever it was? It was a lot. It was mentally, emotionally and physically draining every single day. In the morning, was it a normal day? Yes, sir. What do you remember about the point where it became not a normal day? I was just breaking through the garbage and then I had observed a white small object. It could fit in the palm of my hand.

It looked like bone to me. So I remember seeing my lieutenant, Lieutenant Foster because they were all on the side and, you know, contacting him and they came over and removed it. Can you look through here and tell me if you recognize the object that you're describing? Yes, I do. Is that it on the first page there? Yes, sir. Can you pull this out and display it to the jury, please? Yes.

This is the object that I was talking about. What do you remember happening from there? I just remember notifying my lieutenant and then coming over and collecting it. Let me ask you this. After having been out there for weeks going through line after line, tell me what it felt like to see that little piece of Quentin's skull and pick it up and realize what it was. It was heartbreaking. Was it rewarding also? I have no further questions. According to the autopsy, Quentin had suffered devastating blunt force injuries.

The damage included multiple internal levels. wounds, fractured ribs, and a crushed skull. His body had been tied up and discarded, but not before enduring severe trauma the investigators believe came from a brutal assault. Medical examiner Dr. Laura Darasaw from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations said that a full autopsy on Quentin could not be done because the remains had been so badly damaged by environmental exposure in the landfill. At that point, now 22-year-old Lelani had already placed yourself in a rehab program. Someone close to the family who wished not to be names, said she had entered the facility just weeks after Quentin disappeared. But on the Monday when authorities discovered his remains,

Lelani unexpectedly left the center. Her son to exit deeply concerned her mother, Billy, who feared her daughter might be unsafe by herself. According to the same family friend, that moment forced Billy into making a choice no parent ever wanted to face. Here's what she said. Her mother had to make one of the hardest decisions of her life and call the FBI agents and let them know that she was signing herself out, that she could not come back here, that she was going to be a flight risk, because she could not come back here because she was going to be back on the streets doing God knows what, with God knows who. Not wanting Layloni to vanish without a trace, Billy reached out to federal investigators and agreed to follow their instructions.

The FBI asked her to hold off and keep Layani nearby just a little bit longer. Billy complied with them. She went to pick up Lelani herself, where they turned her in. Billy retrieved her daughter's belongings from a different treatment center and then took her out to grab one last meal together. After spending a short time together, Billy brought her daughter directly to the FBI office located in Savannah, just as she had been told to do. Laylani faced multiple charges, murder, hiding a body, and 14 separate counts

relayed to giving false information to police. She was not granted bail and remained in custody at the Chatham County Jail. Grand jury in Chatham County brought 19 total charges against Lailani, malice murder, felony murder, concealing a death, falsely reporting a crime, and 14 counts of lying during the investigation. She entered a plea of not guilty to every single one of them. On December 12, 2022, Billy was arrested unexpectedly for disobeying a court mandate. Chatham County Sheriff's Office day that juvenile court judge Lendretta Grindle Kramer ruled her in contempt and handed down a 10-day jail sentence.

Jail later released a mug shot showing her dress in a turtle suit. She was let out of custody on December 22nd. Nichols clarified that while she was locked up, Billy was housed separately and had no interaction with her daughter. Authorities never revealed what specific condition of the order she had violated. during early 2023 as the legal process picked up, Lelani stayed in jail with no bond granted. The house where Quentin had once lived was listed for sale at the start of 2024. Situated at 535 Buck Halter Road in Savannah, the property measured 2,800 square feet and hit the market for just shy of $400,000.

It later sold on February 27th for $390,000. Travis Sawyer, a realtor with brandy, and name real estate, said the family made the decision to sell. He explained the home had once been seen as their forever place, a spot where grandchildren would grow up and long-term memories would form. But in light of everything that had happened, that dream was over. He said the family was now ready to leave the past behind. The courtroom proceedings officially began in Savannah around mid-October of 2024. By then, Lelani was 24 years old and had been in custody for nearly two full years. Prosecutor Tim Dean brought several police officers in to testify. One of the first was

Corporal Cody Jepson, who responded to the missing child report on October 5th. He spoke about searching both Quentin's home and nearby wooded areas. His body cam footage was played in court, capturing Lelani explaining what Quentin had been wearing that morning. Detective Kiana Robbins brought forth digital evidence as well. Using a license plate tracking system called Flock, she mapped out Lelani's car movements. The data revealed her vehicle was active from late on October 4th through the early morning of October 5th. She relayed what she knew to Lieutenant Eugene Foster,

who then interviewed Lelani directly. At first, she claimed she hadn't left the house that night at all. But later on, she changed her story and said she had gone out to a nearby store to buy ore gel because of a toothache. Meanwhile, defense attorney Robert Purse pushed back, insisting there was too much speculation and not enough solid facts. He argued before the jury that nothing directly showed Lelani had hurt her child on purpose.

The second day in court brought more attention to what life had been like for Quentin and what investigators uncovered early on. Detective Marion Lemons shared her observations from inside Quentin's residence. She recalled noticing a foul smell like vomit around the playpen and said the bedding was dirty. However, no traces of blood were ever located. Another topic that came up on the second day was Lailani's inconsistent timeline. She initially told police she had gone to a Chevron for Oragel, but later said she actually went to meet a drug dealer and to settle a $20 debt.

Her phone records also revealed texts about Percocet just days before Quentin's death. When asked, Lelani said the pills were for someone else. Former Lieutenant Eugene Foster from the Chatham County Police Department also gave testimony. He recalled that Laylani originally claimed that she had not left her Buck Halter Road residence, but that version changed. Her story shifted again. This time, she said she had actually driven out to toss away some spoiled shrimp pasta. FBI Special Agent Snyder gave further insight into what happened during his interview with Laylani.

He said her statement shifted multiple times. She eventually admitted to using drugs heavily during the night and into the morning when Quentin was first reported missing. During a cigarette break, Lelani quietly revealed something troubling. She told officers that she had sudden outbursts of rage and admitted that she could snap and not even realize it. Prosecutors used this as a potential explanation for what happened that night. By the third day of the trial, the spotlight turned to Daniel, Lelani's boyfriend at the time. While testifying, he admitted he never went in to check on Quentin the morning the child was reported missing. According to the FBI, Lelani claimed Daniel had seen Quentin that morning, but Agent Bridget Brock told the court that was false.

She testified Daniel never confirmed seeing the child that day. Brock also presented video evidence that showed Lelani's vehicle near the dumpster where Quentin's body was later discovered, contradicting her earlier claim that she had gone to a gas station instead. On Thursday, the fourth day in court, attention shifted more towards Lelani's background and personal relationships. The defense began by cross-examining Daniel. His drug and alcohol habits were brought up by attorney Martin Hilliard, who also presented old text messages exchanged between him and Lailani. One message sent on September 30th read,

Like I'm always supposed to deal with your whole moves and the mean-ass kids when you get mad in dip and take shit from me. When attorney Hilliard asked what shit meant in that context, Daniel responded, money, drugs, confirming that the phrase mean-ass kids referred to all three of Lelani's children. Next came Melissa Missy Bray, a woman who had once worked alongside Lelani. Missy recalled Lelani telling her she left home to buy ore gel the morning Quinton disappeared, but said she never saw her return to get it.

Several medical professionals also provided their input. Dr. Amanda Puentes, who had been Quentin's pediatrician, told the court she never observed any indications of violence. Dr. Kenneth Birch, a specialist in pediatric cardiology, mentioned that Quentin had a heart murmur, but clarified it wasn't life-threatening. Lelani's brother Paul also took the stand. He testified that on the night of October 4th,

Lelani had asked him to go out and buy her cigarillos. The courtroom then heard troubling claims from neighbor Melody Bowling. She said that Lelani had once told her while pregnant that she regretted not terminating and referred to Quentin as a bastard child. Melanie also testified that she witnessed Lailani yelling at the kids. The defense attempted to cast doubt on her credibility by pointing out her substance use and her belief that she once communicated with Quentin's spirit before his body had been recovered.

Later in the day, testimony came from Talia McArdo, who is the daughter of Diana, Quentin's babysitter. She lived nearby and described multiple instances of violence. Tilea said she saw Lelani shove Quentin so forcefully that, he fell into a pool without flotation devices and even saw him fall down the stairs. She also claimed that Quentin often spent hours at her house without Lailani checking in. However, she admitted she never reported any of this at the time. The fifth day of the trial featured a busy witness lineup as prosecutors continued laying out their case. They called in seven people to testify.

As court was back in session, Diana was called to speak. She explained that Lelani left her children in her or to Leah's care regularly. Diana suspected that at times Leilani used that opportunity to go by drugs. During cross-examination, Diana was asked about who usually brought the children over. She said that it was typically Daniel who handled their drop-offs and pickups. She also remembered something odd about Leilani's behavior the day Quentin vanished. Diana told the court, she was screaming, but not crying, suggesting the emotional reaction was fake and not genuine.

After Daniel's time on the stand, FBI Special Agent Taylor Burns was called up next. His testimony featured a presentation with screenshots from text exchanges between Lelani and Daniel, along with a digital map tracking their movements between Circle K and Ark Right Lane. The jury then viewed surveillance footage taken from inside that same Circle K. Agent Burns also confirmed that location data from Daniel's phone proved he hadn't left the residence during the night of October 4th into the early morning of October 5th. As the second week of Laylani's murder trial got underway, the day opened with testimony from three different FBI agents, each of whom had worked on the case in its earlier days. Among them was FBI Special Agent Brad Snyder, who remained on the stand for a majority of the session. He had spoken with Laylani, her brother Paul, and her boyfriend Daniel multiple times as the case began to unfold.

During questioning from the defense, Agent Snyder was asked to explain why Daniel wasn't considered a suspect despite inconsistencies in his own state. Attorney Martin Hilliard pressed him with, Why did the investigation ultimately focus on the defendant? Agent Snyder replied, ultimately there were three individuals in that house, three adults in that house, and of those three adults, there was only one that continued to lie to us throughout the course of the investigation. Later that day, the prosecution motion to change the list of people set to testify. They filed a request to include two more names, Craig and Tim Weston. they claimed were drug dealers Laylawny had connections with.

The defense was quick to push back. Attorney Hilliard emphasized that although some messages between Leilani and Craig had already been approved as evidence, that didn't justify introducing new witnesses last minute, he argued. The court's ruling was that those text messages were admissible. That doesn't mean because the state changes its mind 24 hours later and gets to start adding witnesses. If we do that, trials never get finished.

The judge ultimately approved the additions, but made sure the defense had time to meet with the new witnesses before they took the stand. On the trial's seventh day, Craig Weston testified. Identified by the prosecution as Lelani's drug supplier, he was questioned while Detective Marion Lemons read from text conversations between him and Lelani, messages that hinted at an intimate relationship between the two. That same day, prosecutors informed the court they were nearly done presenting their case and expected to wrap up later in the week. Though the original estimate suggested the trial would run for two to three weeks, things appeared to be moving more quickly and a verdict was now likely to be had by early in the third week. During the trial at one point, a screenshot taken from an extraction report pulled from Lelani's text history was presented. The search entry date October 1st showed that Lelani had looked up whether it was normal for a mother to feel resentment towards her child,

either due to the father or for some other reason. By Wednesday, both the prosecution in the defense had closed their cases. 33 witnesses had taken the stand by the time the court adjourned at 4 p.m. The jury was shown one final piece of evidence. Elani's last police interview conducted two days after Quentin's remains were recovered and just before her arrest on November 20th. Detective Marion Lemons, who had conducted that interview, was called and to describe what occurred during it.

Prosecutor Tim Dean asked, was she asked at some point, we can all agree something did happen. Detective Lemons answered yes. Prosecutor Dean continued, did she nod her head yes in response? Act of Lemons confirmed that she did. And he asked, was she asked, do you think you may have killed him or something to that effect? Active Lemons replied yes. Finally, prosecutor dean asked, is it the case she was not able to give an answer or not really say anything?

Active Lemons responded, that's correct. Throughout the trial, prosecutors continued to build their argument around Lailani's conflicting versions of events. By the time the jury viewed her final interview, earlier stories she had told had already been contradicted by video evidence, phone records, and testimony. In the end, Lelani herself admitted that everything she had previously told police was just theories. Lelani decided not to take the stand in her own defense. Under Georgia law, the prosecution isn't obligated to prove the precise way a victim died. Just the accused caused it for a murder conviction to hold. The jury didn't need long at all.

After only a single day of deliberation, Lelani Simon was found guilty on all 19 charges. When sentencing rolled around in November, prosecutors painted a chilling picture. They argued Lelani showed no regret. They brought up the fact that she went out partying at Stingrays. a Tybee Island bar the night before the landfill search started and maintained communication with a known child predator while she was in custody. Objective Marion Lemons told the court Laylawny never once accepted responsibility. Prosecutors demanded life in prison plus 65 years as well as a significant fine.

Her attorneys tried to show another perspective. Family members spoke of her intelligence and kindness as a child. Mother Billy admitted her own addiction had led to major. parenting failures. In the end, the judge sentenced Laylani to life with the chance of parole, plus an extra 10 years. Shortly after the sentencing, Layani's lawyers submitted an appeal arguing that the evidence was insufficient to support the guilty verdict, which now incarcerated the Arredale State Prison in Alto, Georgia, while the appeal remains pending. After the sentencing around the end of November of 2024, WTOC TV sat down with Daniel, who opened up

about his past with Laylani and how he dealt with the aftermath of the trial. According to Daniel, the trauma from the case still lingers. Even now, two years after Quentin's death, he said he's been attending therapy, not only to process Quentin's disappearance, but also to come to terms with his own experience in the relationship. Throughout Layani's trial, Daniel remained a focus of suspicion, not just from her legal team, but even after the verdict was read. her attorney believe more attention should have been paid to Daniel as a potential suspect.

In response, Daniel said, The blame went straight to me from the beginning because of the fact that I was the boyfriend and people just didn't want it to be true that a mother could do that to their own child. At the time, he also said he was five months clean and considered it a milestone he was proud to have reached. Quentin's relatives and supporters expressed relief that the trial had brought some measure of closure. His aunt Jackie Madden said, Drugs took Quentin from us. Quentin will forever be in my heart,

my thoughts, and loved by me. Diana added she felt relieved that justice is going to be served because Quentin needs that. Meanwhile, a U.S. Senate subcommittee led by Georgia's John Ossif and Tennessee's Marsha Blackburn concluded a bipartisan investigation that spanned more than a year. Their findings exposed alarming dysfunction

within the Georgia foster care system, placing blame squarely on the division of family and children's services. Among the most horrifying discoveries is that hundreds of foster children in Georgia may have been trafficked over the past five years. A report also documented repeated failures by DCFS to meet even the most basic medical and psychological needs of those in state custody. Part of the investigation relied on direct accounts, including one from a woman in Savannah who told senators, she had been given heavy medication while in foster care, supposedly to manage her behavior. Final report also made mention of Quentin's case. Young child from Chatham County highlighting the Georgia's Child Advocate Office had uncovered several failures in how DCFS managed

his situation. Kate Blair, who leads Brightside Child and Family Advocacy in Savannah, made a key role in coordinating the testimonies. To clarify, the core issue wasn't a lack of dedication from caseworkers, but rather an ongoing shortage of funding and essential tools. Blair cautioned that this wasn't just a Georgia problem. I quote, the system's dysfunction is nationwide, not just in Georgia. Marley Mader, a local lawyer waiting as well, said the broken structure harms the relationship between families and DCFS workers,

making tough situations even more strained. As a result of the findings, the Senate subcommittee is calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase federal support and is pushing for state-level reforms to improve staffing, foster placements, and outdated technology to be improved. DCFS for its part argued that the report lacked proper context and destroy the full picture of their performance. Senator Asif concluded, we cannot accept the abuse, the trafficking, and the preventable death of children. Quentin's funeral arrangements were handled by Thomas C. Strickland and Sons' funeral home, located in Savannah. In November of 2022, the funeral home shared Quentin's obituary, listing his date of death as October 5th, 22.

On social media, people posted images of Quentin laughing and playing, adding captions like, Gone too soon. We love you, little guy.