A Florida couple has been arrested in North Carolina on serious charges, including aggravated manslaughter, following the alleged death of their infant daughter and subsequent disappearance. Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Angeline Feliz, 20, from Hollywood, Florida, were detained by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office on July 22, 2023, and are now facing extradition back to Florida.
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The case has sparked significant attention after investigators claimed that the couple initially denied ever having a child. Allegations suggest they insisted to family members that the baby was merely a “prank.” This shocking assertion arose despite claims from relatives that they had indeed seen the new parents with the infant in the first month after her birth.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Feliz gave birth to a daughter sometime between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025, outside of a medical facility. Witnesses purportedly observed the couple with the newborn during this period; however, after that, the child was reportedly “never seen again.”
The Hollywood Police Department began investigating the child’s disappearance in early 2025. This inquiry uncovered evidence sufficient to charge both Alejandro and Feliz with multiple grave offences. Apart from aggravated manslaughter of a child, the couple faces charges of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and providing false information regarding a missing child.
Following their arrest in North Carolina, it was revealed that Alejandro and Feliz had allegedly fled to the state before law enforcement officials tracked them down. They were living on a property belonging to a relative of Alejandro’s at the time of their apprehension. Both individuals are currently being held without bail at the Richmond County jail, awaiting extradition back to Florida.
Richmond County Sheriff Mark B. Gulledge praised the collaboration between law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice. He described the case as a “prime example” of the effective teamwork necessary for addressing such serious allegations.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Hollywood Police Department have yet to respond to queries from the media regarding the ongoing investigation. The case raises profound concerns about child welfare, and authorities are actively promoting the importance of reporting any suspicions of child abuse.
Members of the public who may require support or guidance related to child abuse issues are encouraged to reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. The hotline offers confidential assistance and is toll-free for all callers.
The tragic circumstances surrounding this case have not only shocked the families involved but have also captivated public attention, highlighting the critical role of community vigilance and cooperation between authorities in safeguarding the welfare of children. As this investigation continues and jurisdictions coordinate their efforts, further developments are expected in the coming weeks.