A former U.S. Marine and his wife have been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter in the 2022 death of their 2-year-old daughter at MacDill Air Force Base. Kodi Glenn Simon and Kateri Ann Simon, both 30, were taken into custody near Cleveland, Ohio last week following a federal indictment in Florida.
The indictment alleges that the couple’s actions, while “without malice,” led to the death of their daughter, Maeve. Details surrounding the tragic incident emerged from Kodi Simon’s court martial records and a report from the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).
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According to these records, Maeve had been experiencing sleep difficulties and frequently climbed out of her crib. In an attempt to keep her safely contained, the Simons resorted to placing a heavy suitcase filled with books on top of her Pack N’ Play, along with a foam mattress and mesh covering.
On the morning of November 27, 2022, Kateri Simon discovered Maeve inside the Pack N’ Play with the suitcase pinning her neck down. Despite immediate calls to 911, the young girl was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The cause of death was determined to be mechanical asphyxiation.
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The DCF report concluded that while the parents’ actions were not intended to harm Maeve, their negligent choices ultimately led to her tragic death. The couple’s other two children, ages 4 and 6, reportedly showed no signs of neglect.
Kodi Simon, who pleaded guilty to child endangerment at his court martial last year, waived extradition and is being transported to Florida. Kateri Simon was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.
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