A tragic and heartbreaking story has emerged from Tampa, Florida, where a couple is facing serious charges following the death of their 2-year-old daughter. Kodi Glenn Simon, a former U.S. Marine, and his wife, Kateri Ann Simon, both 30 years old, were recently arrested near Cleveland, Ohio, for their alleged role in the incident that led to their young daughter Maeve’s death.
The couple has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after their daughter died from asphyxiation in her crib. According to court documents, the incident happened at MacDill Air Force Base between July 1 and November 27, 2022. Investigators say the Simons, while trying to keep Maeve from climbing out of her crib, stacked a suitcase filled with books on top of the crib’s mesh covering. Tragically, the suitcase ended up pinning the child’s neck, leading to her death.
Maeve’s father, Kodi, reportedly put her and her two siblings, aged 4 and 6, to bed on the evening of November 26, 2022. Maeve, who had trouble sleeping and frequently climbed out of her crib, was placed in a portable crib called a Pack N’ Play. To keep her from escaping, the Simons had been using various methods, including a zip-on mesh top for the crib, a sleep sack to limit her movement, and, eventually, the suitcase. The suitcase, reportedly weighing about 50 pounds, was stacked on top along with a foam couch.
On the night in question, Kodi said he heard Maeve making noises for about 15 minutes before she went quiet, and he assumed she had fallen asleep. The next morning, Kateri found Maeve inside the crib with the suitcase pinning her neck. The couple immediately called 911, but tragically, Maeve was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The Florida Department of Children and Families investigated the case and found that while the Simons didn’t intend to harm their daughter, their actions caused her death. The report detailed how the couple was struggling to address Maeve’s behavior, which included climbing out of her crib and disrupting her siblings’ sleep. Despite their efforts to ensure her safety, their methods turned fatal.
Authorities noted that Maeve’s siblings appeared to be well cared for and that there were no prior incidents involving the welfare of the children. However, Kodi had previously pleaded guilty to child endangerment during a court martial related to the case.
Following their arrest, Kodi is being transported to Florida from Ohio, while Kateri was released on a $20,000 bond. The tragic loss of Maeve has left many stunned and saddened, raising questions about how this could have been prevented and highlighting the challenges parents face in ensuring their children’s safety.
