A couple from Florida, Leon Alejandro Jr. and Samantha Feliz, has been arrested in North Carolina. They face charges related to the presumed death of their missing infant. The pair were apprehended in Rockingham, North Carolina, a year after the investigation began in Florida.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the U.S. Marshals Service, took the couple into custody. They are being held without bond on fugitive of justice warrants. Extradition to Florida is pending.
Investigation Details
Authorities commenced the investigation in early 2025, after learning Feliz allegedly delivered the baby between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025. It is believed that the birth occurred outside a medical facility.
Initially, family members observed the couple with the infant during its first month. However, the child was not seen thereafter. An arrest warrant indicates the last photograph of the baby was taken on January 5, 2025. The child appeared malnourished and ill, with no signs of life.
Cadaver dogs were deployed during multiple searches, but the infant’s remains were not discovered.
Concealment and Denial
According to reports, Alejandro and Feliz denied the existence of the child. They described the pregnancy as a prank and a hoax to defraud relatives of money. Investigators possess photos of Feliz visibly pregnant and messages discussing the baby.
Evidential items from a storage unit included baby clothing, a positive pregnancy test, and blood-stained towels. DNA tests confirmed the blood originated from the couple’s child.
Despite the absence of a birth certificate or medical documentation, evidence led to several charges. These include aggravated manslaughter of a child, evidence tampering, failure to report a death, and providing false statements.
Arrest and Agency Collaboration
The couple reportedly fled Florida, residing on property owned by Alejandro’s relatives in Richmond County. Upon discovery, they were arrested on July 22.
“This is a prime example of agencies nationwide collaborating to uphold justice,” remarked Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge.
As of now, more specific details about the events surrounding the infant’s disappearance have not been released. Further updates from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office are awaited.
Stepheny Price, a Fox News writer, covers topics including crime stories, missing persons, and border security.