July 15, 1940 - Ronald Gene Simmons
What distinguished Simmons from other mass killers was the insularity of his violence — the majority of his victims were members of his own household, bound to him by blood and dependency. His crimes unfolded over the course of a week in late 1987, beginning within the family he had long controlled through isolation and abuse, and extending outward to two others with whom he had unfinished grievances. He declined to appeal his death sentences, a posture consistent with someone who had already determined the outcome he wanted.
From Wikipedia
Ronald Gene Simmons Sr. (July 15, 1940 – June 25, 1990) was an American spree killer and former military serviceman who murdered 16 people, including 14 members of his own family, over a week in December 1987 in Arkansas. The killings, considered the deadliest case of familicide in United States history, occurred at his home near Dover and later at a nearby law office, convenience store, and workplace. Simmons served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy and Air Force before retiring. He was convicted and sentenced to death, waived all appeals, and was executed by lethal injection in 1990, becoming the first person executed by that method in Arkansas.
Among the victims were his daughter, whom he had sexually abused, and the child he fathered with her. He also killed a former co-worker and a bystander, and wounded four others. He is regarded as the deadliest mass murderer in Arkansas history.
Simmons was sentenced to death in two separate trials and did not pursue any appeals.
- Last updated on .