State, defense rest cases in Leilani Simon murder trial

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - The state and the defense have rested their cases against Leilani Simon.

The defense rested its case shortly after the state. It came after Leilani Simon declined to testify.

The Chatham County mother is accused of killing her 20-month-old son Quinton in October 2022 and throwing his body in a dumpster. Simon faces 19 charges, including malice and felony murder.

The final testimony was from Chatham County Police Department (CCPD) Det. Marian Lemmons.

Prosecuting Attorney Tim Dean asked, "Was she asked: do you think you may have killed him?"

"Yes," said Detective Lemmons.

Dean continued, "Is it the case she was not able to give an answer or not, or really say anything?

Lemmons responded, "Yes that's correct."

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Leilani Simon murder trial

The defense rested its case without calling any witnesses, though they filed for a directed verdict for acquittal which Judge Tammy Stokes denied.

"First, there's no direct evidence to support these claims," said defense attorney Robert Persse. "The state has presented theories and its conclusions, but has presented no direct evidence that Leilani Simon committed these crimes the way they're charged in counts one, two, and three in the indictment. I think the medical examiner's testimony is significant."

Day 8 of Leilani Simon murder trial

He is referring to the testimony of medical examiner Dr. Lora Darrisaw of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation who testified Wednesday, saying on the stand she could not perform an autopsy on Quinton because of the deteriorated state of his remains.

"They've been subjected to environmental damage done from being in the landfill," Dr. Darrisaw.

The trial has held eight days of testimonies from key witnesses including family, friends and law enforcement. WSAV News 3 has followed along for the entirety of the trial.


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