SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – The first day of the Leilani Simon murder trial is set to begin following the completion of jury selection last week.
Simon is accused of killing her 20-month-old son, Quinton Simon . She allegedly beat Quinton to death and dumped his body in the trash. Police later found him in a landfill.
Opening statements are set to begin at 9 a.m. Simon faces 19 charges, including malice and felony murder.
The jury selected for this trial comprises 10 men and six women.
9:30 a.m. – Leilani Simon arrives at the courthouse.
9:40 a.m. – Jury is sworn in as trial prepares to get underway.
10:30 a.m. – The prosecution has begun presenting their opening statement to the jury.
11:00 a.m . – Prosecuting Attorney Tim Dean focusing on Simon’s “biggest priority in life, ” being desired by her boyfriend, drug use the night of Quintion’s alleged disappearance, and inconsistent storytelling to police and detectives.
11:29 a.m . 10-minute break.
12:16 p.m. – Defense Attorney Robert Persse delivered a 3-minute opening statement compared to Dean’s 1+ hour. It was very simple: “This case is based on rumor and gossip.”