No bond set for Chatham County mother accused of murdering her toddler

CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Leilani Simon, the Chatham County woman now charged with murdering her 20-month-old son, had her first court hearing on Wednesday.

She waived her right to appear - not appearing in-person or virtually - but did enter a not guilty plea.

“This court is not authorized to issue a bond for certain enumerated charges, murder being on of them. So, you and behalf of your client may petition the superior court of Chatham County for consideration of bond. This court will not consider bond. We don’t have the authority or jurisdiction to do so,” Judge Joe Huffman said.

She was represented by the public defender’s office Wednesday however, the attorney June Fogle said she will not be Leilani Simon’s defense attorney moving forward.

Breaking down the way the court system works the recorder’s court handles most initial appearances for crimes that happen in Chatham County. Superior Courts are trial courts and those are the ones that hear felony criminal cases.

The 22-year-old is being held behind bars on several charges connected to her son Quinton’s disappearance and death.

Quinton Simon’s disappearance garnered national attention and left many anxious for justice.

Police arrested Leilani Monday after uncovering human remains in a Chatham County landfill. Chatham County Police Chief Jeff Hadley says they are still waiting on DNA results to confirm the remains are Quinton’s, but they believe they are.

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