A Chatam County Police officer testified on Tuesday about discovering part of a missing toddler’s remains in a landfill at accused Georgia killer Leilani Simon’s trial.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Simon is accused of murdering her 20-month-old son, Quinton Simon, and disposing of his body in a dumpster. The child’s remains were found about six weeks later in a nearby landfill following extensive search operations.
Officer Sophia Zurkee participated in the initial search for Quinton after the toddler was reported missing from his residence on Buckhalter Road on October 5, 2022.
When the investigation shifted to the landfill, Zurkee mentioned that she offered to assist the search team, ABC 22 reports.
“As one of the initial responders, I was determined to follow through and provide any assistance possible,” she stated.
Zurkee indicated that she took part in the landfill search daily for several weeks. Searchers discovered the toddler’s skull on November 18.
“I was raking through the garbage,” she testified. “And I had observed a white, small object that could fit in the palm of my hand. It looked like bone to me.”
The trial continues. Check back for updates.
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
[Feature Photo: Leilani Simon, left, and Quinton Simon/Chatham County Police Department]
