When Christmas Turned to Carnage. The Horrific Killing of Ronald Gene Simmons.
December is month synonymous with joy and family gatherings. But in quiet corner of Arkansas and USA in 1987 the holiday season became the backdrop for one of the most gruesome and heartbreaking events in American criminal history.
This is the chilling true story of Ronald Gene Simmons Sr a seemingly ordinary ex-serviceman with over 20 years in the US Navy and Air Force, who transformed into a cold blooded mass murderer. His actions earned him the horrifying title of the deadliest dad in US record books after he methodically executed 16 people to including 14 family members, in a calculated Christmas killing spree.
How could father commit such a devastating act of familicide?
We delve in to 3 chilling phases of targeted killing spree and the echoes of terror that still ring through the passage of time.
Phase 1: The Arkansas Home Massacre (December 22-24, 1987)
The first phase of the massacre began just before Christmas hidden within the family’s own home. Simmons’ deadly plot started on December 22 targeting those closest to him: his unsuspecting family.
The Disturbing Preparations
Long before the murders, Simmons had forced his children to dig a large pit on the property deceptively claiming it was for a new outhouse. This detail reveals the terrifying premeditation involved in the murders a crucial insight for NLP and semantic optimization.
- Victims. His wife Becky Simmons (who was reportedly seeking a divorce) and their oldest son Gene were the first to be killed shot with a .22 caliber pistol and bludgeoned.
- The Method. He then began the methodical murder of his children and grandchildren. Four more offspring returning home for Christmas break were individually strangled some reportedly by being held underwater in a trash barrel and then dumped into the pre dug pit.
This initial wave of violence was terrifying display of cold blood meticulously planned to eliminate his immediate household.
Phase 2: Eliminating the Extended Family (26 December 1987)
Four days later on 26 December the mass murdering spree continued as more relatives arrived for postholiday visits tragically unaware the horror that awaited them.
Phase 3: Targeting Random Strangers (28 December 1987)
Having wiped out 14 family members Simmons left his Arkansas residence and took his killing spree public focusing on targets associated with his life outside the family.
- Ex-Colleague. He first drove to a location to kill Kathy Cribbins Kendrick an ex-colleague from Woodline Motor Freight Company with whom he had been infatuated.
- Public Rampage: He then drove around Russellville killing more people at an oil company, a convenience store and his former workplace.
The horrific killing spree finally concluded when police arrived. The former military man perhaps satisfied with his count made no resistance and surrendered without a fight handing over his 22 caliber revolver.
Justice and Legacy: The Execution of Ronald Gene Simmons
The extensive and chilling Christmastime murders shocked the nation. Ronald was convicted in 2 separate case in 1988 and 1989.
- First in Arkansas. Simmons became the first person in Arkansas to carry out by lethal injection on June 1990 at the age of 49.
- Waiver of Appeals. He waived all appeals to demonstrating a disturbing lack of remorse for the calculated murders.
FAQs
What is familicide?
Familicide is type of mass killing where a perpetrator murders multiple close family members often including their spouse and children typically within a short period of time. Ronald Gene Simmons act is the deadliest recorded case in US history.
How many people did Ronald Gene Simmons murder total?
Ronald Gene Simmons murdered total of 16 people 14 members of his own family wife, children and grandchildren ,two nonfamily member coworkers and random strangers.
Where did the massacre take place?
The majority of the murders took place at his Arkansas residence near Dover with subsequent killings occurring in Russellville and Arkansas.
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Share Your Opinion.
The horror of Christmastime tragedy raises extreme questions about the nature of evil. What aspects of Ronald Gene Simmons life or service as former military serviceman do you think to contributed his capability for such massive act of destruction?
Comment below with your perspectives.
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Disclaimer:
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources concerning a historical true crime event. Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets and legal records.