Hollywood, Florida — A year-long investigation into the disappearance of a newborn has led to the arrest of a young Florida couple accused of hiding the child’s birth, denying the baby ever existed, and later fleeing the state. Authorities say the investigation uncovered witness testimony, photographs, DNA evidence, and other physical evidence that ultimately resulted in serious criminal charges, even though the infant’s body has never been found.
Couple Arrested After Leaving Florida During Investigation
According to investigators, Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Feliz, 20, both from Hollywood, Florida, were arrested on July 22 in Rockingham, North Carolina.
Authorities said the pair had relocated while Hollywood police continued investigating the disappearance of their infant. They were taken into custody by investigators with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service on fugitive warrants.
The couple is currently being held without bond as they await extradition back to Florida.
Investigators Say Infant Disappeared After Secret Birth
Police said the investigation began in early 2025 after learning that Feliz allegedly gave birth sometime between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025.
According to authorities, the birth was concealed and did not take place at a hospital.
Family members reportedly told investigators they saw the newborn during the child’s first month of life, but after that, the baby was never seen again.
Investigators identified the infant only by the initials A.F.
Final Photo Raises Serious Concerns
According to an arrest warrant, investigators believe the last known photograph of the infant was taken on January 5, 2025.
Detectives alleged that the child appeared “visibly ill and malnourished” and showed “no signs of life” in what they described as the final known image.
Authorities also searched multiple locations using cadaver dogs, but despite extensive efforts, the infant’s remains have not been located.
Police Allege Couple Claimed Baby Never Existed
Investigators say the couple repeatedly attempted to convince family members that the baby never existed.
According to the arrest warrant, they allegedly told relatives that the infant “was a prank” and later claimed the pregnancy itself had been a “hoax” designed to obtain money from family members.
However, detectives say the evidence they collected contradicted those claims.
Photographs reportedly showed Feliz visibly pregnant, while text messages discussed both the pregnancy and the baby.
During the investigation, authorities also recovered baby clothing, a positive pregnancy test, and towels believed to contain blood from a storage unit connected to the couple.
According to investigators, DNA testing determined that blood found on the baby clothing and towels belonged to a biological child of Alejandro and Feliz, strengthening the case despite the absence of medical records or a birth certificate.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Based on the evidence gathered, investigators charged both suspects with aggravated manslaughter of a child, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, failure to report a death to the medical examiner, providing false information concerning a missing child, and making false reports to law enforcement.
Authorities allege the couple was living on property owned by one of Alejandro’s relatives in Richmond County, North Carolina, when law enforcement located and arrested them.
Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge praised the coordinated effort between agencies, saying, “This is a prime example of agencies nationwide collaborating to uphold justice.”
Officials have not released additional details about what investigators believe happened to the infant, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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