Leon Alejandro Jr. and Samantha Feliz, a couple living in Hollywood, Florida, were arrested after a year-long investigation into the disappearance of their newborn baby. The couple had denied the baby's existence, telling family members it was a 'joke'.
Police determined that Feliz had a secret, out-of-hospital birth between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025. Family members said they saw the baby with the couple during its first month of life but never saw it again afterward.
Sick and motionless in last photo
According to the arrest warrant obtained by WPLG, the last photo of the baby, identified only by the initials A.F., was taken on January 5, 2025. Detectives noted that in the photo the baby appeared "visibly ill and malnourished" and "showed no signs of life." Despite searches with cadaver dogs, the baby's remains have not been found.
Couple claimed it was a 'hoax'
Authorities said Alejandro and Feliz repeatedly denied the baby's existence, told relatives the baby was "a joke," and later claimed the pregnancy was a "hoax" to get money from the family. Investigators seized photos showing Feliz was pregnant and messages about the baby.
DNA evidence and charges
A search of a storage unit belonging to the couple turned up baby clothes, a positive pregnancy test, and towels believed to be stained with blood. DNA analysis confirmed that the blood on the clothes and towels belonged to Alejandro and Feliz's biological child. Although no birth certificate or medical records were found, the couple faces charges of causing the child's death through gross neglect, tampering with physical evidence, failing to report a death to the medical examiner, providing false information about a missing child, and making false reports to law enforcement.
Flight from Florida and capture in operation
As the investigation continued, the couple fled Florida and were found living at a relative's property in Rockingham, North Carolina. Teams from the Richmond County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service captured the pair in an operation on July 22. The suspects were booked into the Richmond County Jail on charges of fleeing justice and are awaiting extradition to Florida without bond.
Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge said, "This is the finest example of agencies across the country working together to achieve justice." Authorities have not yet released additional details about what happened to the baby.
