Leilani Simon, recently found guilty of killing her 20-month-old son Quinton Simon, stood trial in Chatham County, Georgia. The jury deliberated over a 19-count indictment, including charges of malice murder, felony murder, concealing the death of another, and making false statements. The trial’s outcome has not only determined Simon’s fate but may also influence the ongoing conversation about the death penalty in Georgia.

The trial’s second week focused on establishing Simon’s credibility, with evidence showing inconsistencies in her statements during police interviews. Video footage revealed Simon admitting to lying about her whereabouts the day Quinton disappeared, acknowledging drug use, and admitting to fabricating an alibi. As the case unfolded, the jury considered whether Simon’s actions warrant the ultimate penalty— a conviction of malice murder meant Simon could face the death penalty, sparking renewed debate over its role in Georgia’s justice system.

Georgia remains one of 29 states that still enforce the death penalty for severe offenses. While the Supreme Court has ruled capital punishment constitutional, its application continues to divide public opinion. Religious, moral, and historical concerns, particularly regarding its disproportionate use against minorities in the South, drive some to oppose it. Despite these criticisms, a majority of Americans still support the death penalty in cases deemed appropriate.

Supporters of the death penalty cite its three primary objectives: general deterrence, specific deterrence, and retribution. General deterrence aims to prevent heinous crimes by setting an example, while specific deterrence ensures that the convicted individual cannot commit further offenses. Retribution, the third objective, represents society’s moral judgment by imposing a punishment fitting the severity of the crime.

The case against Simon reflects these broader arguments. Prosecutors in the Savannah case included graphic testimony from FBI agents describing the investigation’s findings including the defendant allegedly dumping the toddler’s body in a landfill. Simon’s shifting statements, her reported drug use, and disturbing details about the events leading to Quinton’s death were all part of the prosecution’s attempt to establish intent and guilt.

The death penalty’s application, however, remains controversial. Opponents often highlight the risk of errors in capital cases, pointing to instances where wrongful convictions were later overturned by organizations like the Innocence Project. Advocates for reform emphasize that ensuring competent legal representation and fair trials is crucial for justice to prevail.

Simon’s trial has raised critical questions about justice, accountability, and the appropriate consequences for those convicted of the most severe and grotesque crimes.