A couple from Florida has been arrested in North Carolina following an extensive investigation into the presumed death of their missing infant. Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Feliz, 20, both residents of Hollywood, Florida, were detained in Rockingham, North Carolina. Authorities allege they fled while police investigated the child’s disappearance.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended the duo, who are now in the Richmond County Jail on fugitive of justice warrants. They await extradition to Florida, where they face multiple felony charges related to the child’s disappearance.
Authorities say Feliz gave birth between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025, but the birth was concealed and did not take place in a hospital. Family members reported seeing the baby during the first month of life, but the child was not seen again thereafter.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by WPLG, investigators suspect the child, identified as A.F., was last photographed on January 5, 2025. The infant appeared “visibly ill and malnourished” with “no signs of life” in the image. Despite searching various locations with cadaver dogs, authorities have not located the child’s remains.
Authorities allege the couple falsely claimed the child was never born, describing the pregnancy as a “hoax” aimed at deceiving family members for financial gain.
The investigation revealed photos of Feliz visibly pregnant, texts discussing the pregnancy, and baby items, including a positive pregnancy test and blood-stained towels, found in a storage unit. DNA tests confirmed the blood belonged to a biological child of Alejandro and Feliz.
Despite the absence of a birth certificate or medical records, the evidence amassed led to charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death, and providing false information regarding a missing child.
Authorities found the couple residing at a property belonging to one of Alejandro’s relatives. Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge credited the national collaboration between agencies for the successful arrests.
Additional details about the infant’s fate remain undisclosed. Fox News Digital reached out to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for updates but received no immediate response.