Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Angeline Feliz, 20, of Hollywood, Florida, were arrested in Richmond County, North Carolina, on July 22 and charged with aggravated manslaughter and related counts after investigators say their newborn daughter disappeared. Authorities allege the infant was born outside a hospital between Dec. 6, 2024 and Jan. 5, 2025 and was seen by family only during her first month before vanishing. Investigators say the parents initially denied the child existed, calling it "a prank," and Florida officials later filed five charges against each suspect. The couple is being held without bond pending extradition to Florida.
Florida Couple Arrested on Aggravated Manslaughter Charges After Saying Infant “Was A Prank”
Leon Alejandro Jr.; Samantha Angeline FelizCredit: Richmond County Sheriff
A Florida couple has been arrested in North Carolina and charged with aggravated manslaughter and related offenses after investigators say their newborn daughter disappeared and the parents initially denied the child existed, telling relatives "it was a prank."
Arrest, Allegations and Timeline
Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Angeline Feliz, 20, both of Hollywood, Florida, were taken into custody in Richmond County, N.C., on July 22. According to a Richmond County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) release and public arrest records, Feliz is alleged to have given birth to a daughter in Florida sometime between Dec. 6, 2024, and Jan. 5, 2025. The infant reportedly was delivered outside a hospital.
Family members told investigators they saw the newborn in the parents’ care during the child’s first month, but the baby was reportedly "never seen again" after that period. Investigators say both parents later denied the child was theirs and told relatives the situation "was a prank," prompting the Hollywood Police Department to open a probe in early 2025.
Charges, Location and Custody Status
Florida authorities filed five counts against each suspect, including aggravated manslaughter of a child, tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and providing false information concerning a missing child. RCSO investigators located the couple living on property belonging to a relative of Alejandro in Richmond County; deputies arrested them without incident.
Richmond County Sheriff's Office in North CarolinaCredit: Google Maps
Both Alejandro and Feliz are being held without bond in the Richmond County jail pending extradition to Florida, where the alleged offenses will be prosecuted.
"This is a prime example of agencies nationwide collaborating to uphold justice," Richmond County Sheriff Mark B. Gulledge said in the release.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the Hollywood Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
If You Have Information Or Concerns
If you suspect child abuse or have information about this case, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org. Calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
Reporting credit: Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and People.
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