In the summer of 1936, the life of Deputy Sheriff Clarence Edward Simmons, a 43-year-old male, was cut tragically short in an act of retaliatory violence. While driving on Franklin Road, just south of Uncle Tom's BBQ in Roanoke County, Virginia, a vehicle pulled up alongside him. From within that car, a shotgun blast erupted, ending the lawman's life. He was a devoted family man, having taken his children to church the night before his death, and left behind a wife and eight children, with another child on the way.
The motive for this brazen killing was rooted in a thirst for revenge. Two brothers, part of a gang involved in the illicit whiskey trade, targeted Deputy Simmons in retaliation for the death of their third brother, who had died during a police pursuit. The brazen nature of the attack sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a determined investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The two brothers responsible for Deputy Simmons's murder fled the area but were apprehended a few days later in Beckley, West Virginia. They were extradited back to Roanoke County to face charges for their crimes. Their first trial for the murder of Deputy Simmons resulted in a hung jury, a frustrating setback for the prosecution and the grieving community.
Despite the initial legal stalemate, justice was eventually served. In a second trial held on December 18, 1936, both brothers were convicted of second-degree murder for the death of Deputy Simmons and were each sentenced to 20 years in prison. The following year, on May 27, 1937, they faced another trial in Franklin County for two other murders. This time, they were convicted and each sentenced to an additional 99 years, ensuring they would spend the remainder of their lives behind bars for their violent spree.
