ronald gene simmons, sr. (july 15, 1940 – june 25, 1990) was an american spree killer, who killed 16 people over a week-long period that started december 28, 1987, by shooting and/or strangling, primarily in russellville, arkansas and all occurring in arkansas. a retired military serviceman, simmons murdered 14 members of his family, including a daughter he had sexually abused and the child he had fathered with her, a former co-worker, a stranger, and wounded four others.