Ronald Gene Simmons was responsible for one of the most shocking mass murders in U.S. history. His horrific crime spree during the Christmas season of 1987 left 16 people dead, including his own family members. 

Ronald Gene Simmons was born on July 15, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois. Simmons faced hardship early in life; his father died when he was young, and his mother remarried shortly after. 

Growing up in a strict military household he followed in his stepfather’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Navy in 1957 then transferring to the U.S. Air Force, where he served in various postings across the world.

Simmons married his high school sweetheart, Becky and together they had seven children. Though Simmons had a stable military career, he was described by others as strict and demanding. 

Over time, his behavior became more erratic, shown by an increasing sense of control over his family. This eventually led to severe abuse and isolation, as Simmons cut his family off from friends and other relatives.

After retiring from the military in 1979 Simmons’ life began to unravel. The family faced financial difficulties and Simmons developed a reputation for being abusive and reclusive. Eventually

the family settled in a remote area near Dover, Arkansas, where they lived in a rundown trailer on a 13-acre property. Over time, the situation deteriorated as Simmons became increasingly controlling and violent toward his family, leading to suspicions and allegations of abuse.

By the early 1980s, disturbing reports of Simmons’ behavior toward his family began to surface. In 1981, he was investigated for reportedly molesting his oldest daughter, Sheila, who eventually became pregnant with his child. 

In response, the family fled New Mexico, fearing legal consequences, and relocated to Arkansas. This incident further isolated the family and allowed Simmons to have even more control over them.

Simmons control extended to every aspect of his family’s lives, from finances to daily routines. He reportedly threatened family members who attempted to leave, and his violent behavior became even more pronounced. Family members later testified that Simmons had turned their lives into a “prison,” characterized by constant threats, physical abuse, and fear.

The Massacre: December 22–28, 1987

On December 22, 1987, Simmons put his plan into motion. On this day, he first killed his wife, Becky, and his eldest son, Gene Jr., by shooting them at close range. 

He then proceeded to strangle his three-year-old granddaughter, Barbara, who was Gene Jr.’s daughter. After killing them, Simmons disposed of the bodies in a shallow pit he had dug previously in the backyard.

Over the following days as his children and grandchildren arrived at his home to celebrate Christmas, Simmons continued his massacre. On December 26th, he killed his daughter, Sheila, her husband, Dennis McNulty, and their two young children. 

He also killed his younger sons, Billy and Eddy, along with their wives and children, using a combination of guns and strangulation.

After killing his family members Simmons meticulously arranged the bodies in neat rows within the family home, covering them with coats and blankets. His cold, calculated methods shocked investigators who later discovered the crime scene. 

The Aftermath: Simmons Final Murders and Arrest

After murdering his family members Simmons did not attempt to flee or hide. Instead, he remained at the family home and even went to a local bar for drinks, as if nothing had happened. 

Then on December 28th Simmons carried out a final series of murders. Armed with a handgun, he went to a nearby law office where he shot and killed a former co-worker, Kathy Kendrick, with who he reportedly had an unreciprocated romantic interest.

Simmons then continued his rampage at the offices of a local oil company and a convenience store, where he killed two additional individuals and injured several others. 

His final stop was at a workplace where he had been previously employed, where he killed one more person before calmly surrendering to police.

When authorities arrived Simmons was waiting for them. He confessed to the murders with no visible emotion or remorse. His cooperation and confession left little doubt as to his guilt, but his demeanor was chilling.

Trial and Sentencing

Ronald Gene Simmons was charged with multiple counts of capital murder. Throughout his trial, Simmons exhibited no remorse and even refused legal counsel, choosing to represent himself. His defense, minimal as it was, consisted of a stubborn insistence on his guilt, with no attempts to explain or justify his actions.

In 1988, Simmons was found guilty on multiple counts of murder and sentenced to death. He refused to appeal his sentence, stating that he did not want any legal proceedings to delay his execution. On June 25, 1990, Simmons was executed by lethal injection at the Arkansas Department of Correction. He was one of the few individuals in the U.S. to forego all appeals, and his execution was carried out with unusual swiftness for death row inmates.

The horrific crimes of Ronald Gene Simmons is one of the more terrifying true crime cases in my opinion.

To plan, kill, and then dispose of your family like that is so chilling.

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