Ronald Gene Simmons' Family Annihilator Finale: Execution in Arkansas Marks End of Horrific Crime Spree
Ronald Gene Simmons committed one of the most horrific mass murders in American history. In December 1987, he systematically killed 14 members of his own family and 2 others in Arkansas. Simmons' rampage resulted in the largest family mass murder in U.S. history and Arkansas' worst mass killing.
The victims included Simmons' wife, children, and grandchildren. He had sexually abused one of his daughters and murdered the child he fathered with her. After slaughtering his family, Simmons went on to kill two former co-workers.
Simmons was convicted of the murders and sentenced to death. On June 25, 1990, he was executed by lethal injection in Arkansas, becoming the first person executed in the state since 1964. Simmons did not appeal his sentence, stating that anything less than death would be "cruel and unusual punishment" for his crimes.
Background of Ronald Gene Simmons
Ronald Gene Simmons led a complex life marked by military service and family turmoil. His background provides insight into the events that preceded his shocking crimes.
Military Career and Awards
Simmons enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1957, serving for three years. He later joined the U.S. Air Force in 1962, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant over two decades. His military career included deployments to Vietnam, where he earned several commendations.
Simmons received the Bronze Star and the Air Force Ribbon for his service. He was also awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry for his actions during the conflict. These accolades highlighted his competence as a serviceman.
After 20 years of service, Simmons retired from the Air Force in 1979. His military background played a significant role in shaping his identity and later influenced his disciplined approach to his crimes.
Family and Early Life
Born on July 15, 1940, Simmons grew up in a troubled household. He married Rebecca Ulibarri in 1960, and they had seven children together. The family lived a nomadic lifestyle, moving frequently due to Simmons' military assignments.
In 1981, the Simmons family settled in Dover, Arkansas. They purchased 13 acres of land known as "Mockingbird Hill" and lived in mobile homes on the property. This isolated location became the site of Simmons' horrific acts years later.
Simmons maintained a facade of normalcy, but behind closed doors, he was abusive and controlling. He sexually abused his daughter Sheila, fathering a child with her. This dark secret contributed to the dysfunction within the family unit.
The Murders and Crime Scene
Ronald Gene Simmons carried out a horrific killing spree in Arkansas during the 1987 Christmas holiday. His rampage resulted in 16 deaths across two locations - his rural property and the nearby town of Russellville.
Initial Murders at Mockingbird Hill
On December 22, 1987, Simmons began murdering his family at their home in Dover, Arkansas. He strangled his wife and youngest child, then drowned his young son in a rain barrel. As relatives arrived for Christmas, Simmons shot or strangled them.
He killed 14 family members over several days, including his daughter and their child. Simmons hid bodies in abandoned cars and a cesspit on the property. He placed some victims around the dinner table in a macabre Christmas scene.
The Russellville Massacre
On December 28, Simmons drove to Russellville and continued his rampage. He fatally shot a former coworker at an oil company office. At a convenience store, he killed the owner and wounded others.
Simmons then entered a law office and shot a woman. He surrendered to police shortly after. In total, Simmons murdered 16 people and injured 4 others during his week-long spree.
Law enforcement discovered the grisly crime scenes at both locations. The scale and brutality of the murders shocked the small Arkansas communities.
Legal Proceedings and Trial
Ronald Gene Simmons faced swift legal action following his arrest for the murders of 16 people in Arkansas. The case proceeded through competency evaluations and a trial that garnered significant attention due to its shocking nature and scale.
The Arrest and Competency Evaluation
Law enforcement apprehended Simmons shortly after his killing spree in December 1987. Following his arrest, the court ordered a psychiatric examination to determine his mental state and competency to stand trial.
Experts conducted a thorough competency evaluation, assessing Simmons' ability to understand the charges against him and participate in his own defense. The evaluation included interviews with Simmons and a review of his mental health history.
Judge John Patterson presided over the competency hearing. After considering the expert testimony and evaluation results, the court found Simmons competent to stand trial for the multiple murders.
Trial and Guilty Verdict
Simmons' trial began in 1988 in Pope County, Arkansas. Prosecutors presented evidence from crime scene investigations, autopsies, and witness testimonies to build their case against him.
The trial lasted several days, with the prosecution detailing the brutal nature of the killings. Law enforcement officers testified about the crime scenes and evidence collected. Medical examiners presented autopsy findings that revealed the extent of the victims' injuries.
On May 13, 1988, after deliberating for over four hours, the jury of eight men and four women returned a guilty verdict. They convicted Simmons of multiple counts of capital murder for the deaths of his family members and others.
The verdict set the stage for the sentencing phase, where Simmons would face the possibility of the death penalty for his crimes.
Journey to Execution
Ronald Gene Simmons faced capital punishment for his heinous crimes. His case moved through the legal system as he awaited his fate on death row.
Death Row and Appeals
Simmons was sentenced to death on April 3, 1988. He was sent to death row at the Cummins Unit in Grady, Arkansas. Unlike many inmates, Simmons did not pursue lengthy appeals. He accepted his sentence and declined to challenge the verdict.
The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld Simmons' death sentence in 1989. Governor Bill Clinton signed Simmons' execution warrant in 1990. Simmons became known as the fastest inmate to be executed in recent U.S. history, spending just over 2 years on death row.
Execution Warrant and Date
On June 25, 1990, Simmons was executed by lethal injection at the Cummins Unit. He was 49 years old. Simmons' last meal consisted of a chef's salad, cherry Kool-Aid, and strawberry ice cream.
Before his execution, Simmons stated: "To those who oppose the death penalty - in my particular case, anything short of death would be cruel and unusual punishment." He became the first person executed in Arkansas since 1964. Simmons' execution marked the resumption of capital punishment in the state after a 26-year hiatus.
Personal and Psychological Profile
Ronald Gene Simmons exhibited complex psychological issues that drove his horrific actions. His troubled mindset and family dynamics played key roles in the mass murder he committed.
Assessment of Motives
Simmons' motives stemmed from a disturbing mix of control, revenge, and sexual abuse. He had an incestuous relationship with his daughter Sheila, fathering a child with her. This taboo liaison likely fueled his possessive and domineering behavior.
Psychiatric examinations revealed Simmons as a narcissist with antisocial tendencies. He showed little remorse for his crimes, viewing his family as possessions rather than individuals.
His military background may have influenced his methodical approach to the killings. Simmons planned the murders meticulously, suggesting a cold and calculated mindset.
Financial troubles and job losses added to his stress. These factors, combined with his psychological issues, created a volatile situation that ultimately exploded into violence.
Impact and Legacy
Ronald Gene Simmons' horrific crimes left an indelible mark on Arkansas and the national discourse on capital punishment. His actions reshaped a community and influenced legal proceedings in the state.
Effect on the Community
Russellville, Arkansas bore the brunt of Simmons' rampage. The small town of 14,000 was shaken to its core. Residents grappled with shock, fear, and disbelief in the aftermath of the killings. Local businesses closed temporarily out of respect for the victims.
The tragedy brought the community together in mourning. Vigils and memorial services were held for the victims. Support networks formed to help survivors and first responders cope with trauma.
Media attention descended on Russellville. The national spotlight exposed the town to unwanted scrutiny. Some residents felt their privacy invaded during a time of grief.
Arkansas and Capital Punishment
Simmons' case reignited debates about the death penalty in Arkansas. His crimes were cited by proponents as justification for capital punishment. The severity and number of murders strengthened arguments for execution as a deterrent.
Arkansas hadn't carried out an execution in 24 years prior to Simmons. His case helped end this de facto moratorium. Simmons became the first person executed by lethal injection in Arkansas on June 25, 1990.
The speed of Simmons' trial and execution was notable. Just 757 days passed between his arrest and death. This swift process influenced future capital cases in the state. Arkansas revised its laws to expedite executions in certain circumstances.
