A Florida couple has been arrested in North Carolina after a yearlong investigation into the disappearance of their infant, with authorities alleging they claimed the baby never existed and was a "prank" to defraud family members.
Florida Couple Arrested in North Carolina for Missing Infant
Leon Alejandro Jr., 21, and Samantha Feliz, 20, both of Hollywood, Florida, were taken into custody Wednesday in Rockingham, North Carolina. Investigators say the pair fled their home state while Hollywood police investigated the disappearance of their infant.
The arrests were made by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and the US Marshals Service. Alejandro and Feliz were booked into the Richmond County Jail on fugitive of justice warrants and are held without bond pending extradition to Florida.
Investigation into Concealed Birth and Disappearance
Hollywood police initiated their investigation in early 2025 after learning Feliz allegedly gave birth between December 6, 2024, and January 5, 2025. Authorities stated the birth was concealed and did not occur in a hospital setting. Family members reported seeing the couple with the infant during its first month of life, after which the child was not seen again.
According to an arrest warrant, investigators believe the child, identified by the initials A.F., was last photographed on January 5, 2025. The infant in the image appeared “visibly ill and malnourished” and showed “no signs of life.”
Allegations of Deception and Recovered Evidence
The warrant further alleges that Alejandro and Feliz repeatedly denied the child's existence, telling relatives the baby “was a prank.” They later claimed the pregnancy was a “hoax” intended to scam family members out of money. Investigators cited photographic evidence of Feliz visibly pregnant and text messages discussing the pregnancy and baby.
Detectives reportedly recovered baby clothing, a positive pregnancy test, and blood-stained towels from a storage unit linked to the couple. DNA testing confirmed the blood on the clothing and towels belonged to a biological child of Alejandro and Feliz.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Despite the absence of a birth certificate or medical records, investigators compiled sufficient evidence to charge both suspects. Charges include 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 fled Florida and were residing on property belonging to a relative of Alejandro in Richmond County when located and arrested on July 22. Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge commended the multi-agency collaboration in a statement, calling it a "prime example of agencies nationwide collaborating to uphold justice." Additional details regarding the suspected fate of the infant have not been publicly released.
