Georgia law enforcement announced Wednesday evening that missing toddler Quinton Simon is likely dead, and the main suspect is his mother.
The Chatham County Police Department tweeted the announcement around 10:30 p.m. on October 12.
“We are saddened to report that CCPD and the FBI have notified Quinton Simon’s family that we believe he is deceased,” the tweet reads. “We have named his mother, Leilani Simon, as the prime suspect in his disappearance and death. But no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed.”
The toddler has been missing since October 5, when the 20-month-old went missing from his home in Savannah, Georgia, reported Fox News.
The police department said they have evidence that Quinton Simon is dead, based on what they said were “multiple search warrants and interviews.”
Although his mother, Leilani Simon, 22, is the prime suspect, she has not been arrested, nor have charges been filed, according to the Savannah Morning News.
Leilani Simon was last seen leaving her family’s house in Savannah, Georgia, on Wednesday, which is the first time she has been seen since the disappearance of Quinton Simon.
Chief Jeffrey Hadley of the Chatham County Police Department said at a press conference Thursday that he does not know where Leilani Simon is, but the department doesn’t believe she is a flight risk, reported the Daily Beast.
Quinton Simon reportedly lives with his maternal grandparents, his mother, and her boyfriend. The grandparents told local television they are Quinton Simon’s legal guardians.
The Savannah Morning News previously reported that police dogs were brought to Quinton Simon’s home in an effort to locate the toddler. More than 40 FBI agents, analysts, task force officers, and support staff have been involved in the investigation, which also involved the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment (CARD) Team, according to the Daily Beast.
“We know that thousands of people around the world will be heartbroken by this news, and we share your sorrow,” the Chatham County Police Department said.