Episode 6: Ronald Gene Simmons

Summary This podcast covers the case of Ronald Gene Simmons, a mass murderer who killed 14 members of his family in Arkansas in 1987. The chapters explore Ronald's troubled childhood, his military service and marriage, the move to Mockingbird Hill, the incestuous relationship with his daughter, motives for the killings, the slaughter of the family, the trials and sentencing, and Becky's letter before Ronald's execution. Takeaways Ronald Gene Simmons was a mass murderer who killed 16 members of his family in Arkansas in 1987. His troubled childhood, military service, and marriage contributed to his descent into violence. The incestuous relationship with his daughter and the loss of control over his family were major factors in the killings. Ronald's motives included revenge, anger, and a desire to maintain control over his family. He was found guilty and sentenced to death, and he refused to appeal his sentence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:15 Ronald's Troubled Childhood 04:02 Military Service and Marriage 10:10 Move to Mockingbird Hill 13:12 Incest and Pregnancy 20:24 Loss of Control and Favorite Daughter 27:01 Motives for the Killings 28:27 Slaughter of the Family 32:48 Additional Murders and Arrest 36:37 Trials and Sentencing 39:46 Becky's Letter and Ronald's Execution