The Simmons Family Massacre: A Christmas of Blood

What this episode covers

On Christmas morning of 1987, the quiet town of Russellville, Arkansas, was shattered by a horror beyond imagination. Ronald Gene Simmons — a former Air Force sergeant and father of 14 — methodically murdered his entire family, one by one, over the course of a week. The victims included his wife, children, grandchildren, and even an infant. What drove a man once respected by his neighbors to turn his home into a house of death?This episode dives deep into the disturbing mind of Ronald Gene Simmons, exploring his years of control, isolation, and obsession that ended in one of America’s darkest massacres. From the chilling calmness during the murders to his shocking final words before execution, discover how this case forever changed the definition of family annihilation — and why his name still haunts true crime history.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/criminal--6152643/support.

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How long is this episode of Criminal?

This episode is 33 minutes long.

When was this Criminal episode published?

This episode was published on October 19, 2025.

What is this episode about?

On Christmas morning of 1987, the quiet town of Russellville, Arkansas, was shattered by a horror beyond imagination. Ronald Gene Simmons — a former Air Force sergeant and father of 14 — methodically murdered his entire family, one by one, over the...

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