Quinton Simon: Landfill Search Continues For Missing Georgia Toddler

SAVANNAH, GA — After four weeks, authorities say they are still searching for Quinton Simon's remains in a Chatham County landfill.

Simon, 20 months old, went missing from his Buckhalter Road home on Oct. 5. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley said early on in the case that he believes Simon is dead.

Police said the missing child case prompted "the largest search and most far-reaching investigation in the history of the Chatham County Police Department."

Authorities said Wednesday that his mother, Leilani Simon, is still a prime suspect in the case and that law enforcement is staying committed to the landfill search with belief Simon's remains are there.

No charges have been filed in the case, and no other suspects have been named.

Police have not yet released information on what they believe may have happened to Simon.

Leilani Simon told WTOC-TV she has hopes her son is alive.

Chatham County police released the following statement Wednesday:

"We have spent two weeks digging through thousands of tons of garbage. We knew going into this landfill search, the odds of recovering Quinton’s remains were low. Most landfill searches do not end in a recovery due to many factors including volume of trash to search and compression of the debris, however we stay focused.

The landfill search has been a task more grueling than anyone could imagine, and we would like to thank the dedicated Chatham County Police Department, FBI, GBI and Chatham County Sheriff’s Office personnel who have gone to that site day after day – determined to find Quinton and to find answers.

We would also like to thank the many people – both here at home and around the world – who have offered support and encouragement during these last four weeks. We appreciate every word and act of kindness for our department and everyone who is working so hard on this case."