A Florida couple has been apprehended in North Carolina following a thorough investigation into the supposed death of their infant. Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Feliz, 20, both from Hollywood, Florida, were detained in Rockingham, North Carolina. Law enforcement believes they fled there during the investigation led by Hollywood police concerning their missing child.
Arrest and Charges
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested the pair. They were booked into the Richmond County Jail on fugitive of justice warrants and are held without bond as they face extradition to Florida. The investigation began in early 2025 after reports surfaced that Feliz gave birth between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025.
Authorities state the birth was concealed, occurring outside of a medical facility. Initially, family members observed the couple with the baby during the child’s first month. However, the baby has not been seen since that time.
Investigation Findings
An arrest warrant stated that investigators last photographed the child, referred to as A.F., on January 5, 2025. The image depicted the infant appearing unwell and malnourished, without signs of life. Although cadaver dogs searched several areas, the baby’s remains remain undiscovered.
Authorities allege the couple claimed the child never existed, initially treating the baby as a prank and later asserting the pregnancy was a scam meant to deceive family members into providing money.
Despite these claims, investigators collected significant evidence, including photographs of Feliz’s pregnancy, text correspondence discussing the baby, baby clothes, a positive pregnancy test, and blood-stained towels from a storage unit connected to the couple. DNA analysis validated the blood as belonging to a biological child of Alejandro and Feliz.
Legal Proceedings
Based on gathered evidence, law enforcement charged the couple with several felonies, including aggravated manslaughter, tampering with evidence, not reporting a death, and providing false information. Investigators believe the couple left Florida, relocating to a property owned by Alejandro’s family in Richmond County until they were found and apprehended on July 22.
“This is a prime example of agencies nationwide collaborating to uphold justice,” said Mark Gulledge, Richmond County Sheriff.
As of now, further details about the presumed circumstances of the infant’s disappearance remain unreleased. Fox News Digital has requested additional comments from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office but hasn’t received a reply.