A former U.S. Marine and his wife, both aged 30, were recently arrested in connection with the tragic death of their two-year-old daughter. The incident occurred at a Florida Air Force base where the child was asphyxiated in her crib by a heavy suitcase that had been placed to prevent her from escaping. The couple, Kodi Glenn Simon and Kateri Ann Simon, were apprehended near Cleveland, Ohio, and have been charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter related to the 2022 death of their daughter, Maeve Simon.
The federal indictment, filed in the Middle District of Florida, does not delve into the specifics of the alleged crime. However, it does accuse the parents of causing their daughter’s death through actions taken without malicious intent. The indictment states that the couple, from July to November 2022, at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida, unlawfully caused the death of their daughter in the commission of a lawful act which might produce death, without due caution and circumspection.
Court martial records for Kodi Simon reveal that the incident occurred in the couple’s home on the night of November 26, 2022. The charges against him indicate that he endangered his daughter’s safety by placing her in a portable crib and then putting a foam mattress and a suitcase filled with books on top of the crib. The records state that such conduct constituted culpable negligence, resulting in mechanical asphyxiation leading to death.
A report from the Florida Department of Children and Families, obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, sheds more light on the circumstances surrounding Maeve’s death. The report indicates that Maeve had been having trouble sleeping at night, often climbing out of her crib, disturbing her room, and waking her two siblings, aged 4 and 6. In an attempt to manage Maeve’s behavior and ensure her safety, the Simons tried various methods to keep her confined, including using a Pack N’ Play, a zip-on mesh top, and a sleep sack. However, Maeve was able to escape from these as well.
The couple eventually resorted to placing a 50-pound suitcase filled with books on top of the mesh covering, along with a children’s foam couch. On the night of the incident, Kodi Simons put the children to bed and heard Maeve babbling for about 15 minutes before she fell silent. He assumed she had fallen asleep. His wife returned home a few hours later.
The following morning, Kateri Simon discovered Maeve in the Pack N’ Play, pinned down by the suitcase and other items. Despite immediate calls to 911, Maeve was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital. A DCF investigator noted in the report that the parents knowingly placed items over the toddler’s Pack N’ Play to keep her confined. While their actions were not intended for discipline or harm, they ultimately led to her death.
The report also noted that Maeve’s siblings appeared to be well cared for and there were no previous incidents involving the welfare of their children. Kodi Simon, who had previously pleaded guilty to child endangerment at his court martial last year, waived extradition and is being transported from Ohio to Florida. Kateri Simon was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond, according to federal records.