Deputy Sheriff Clarence Edward Simmons, Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

Deputy Sheriff Clarence Edward Simmons

Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, Virginia

End of Watch Friday, April 17, 1936

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Clarence Edward Simmons

Deputy Sheriff Clarence Simmons was shot and killed by two brothers in retaliation for the death of a third brother during a police pursuit.

He was driving on Franklin Road, two miles south of Uncles Tom's BBQ, when a vehicle pulled alongside him and the occupants opened fire with a shotgun. The three brothers were part of a gang involved in making illegal whiskey.

Both brothers were apprehended in Beckley, West Virginia, a few days later. They were transferred back to Roanoke County and charged with murder. Their first trial ended with a hung jury.

On August 27th, 1936, they were both charged with two murders in Franklin County, Virginia. On December 18th, 1936, their second trial for Deputy Simmons' Murder resulted in a second-degree murder conviction for both. They were each sentenced to 20 years.

Two months later both brothers were transported from the Virginia State Penitentiary to Franklin County where they were tried for two murders. Their first trial ended with a hung jury. On May 27th, 1937, they were both convicted and sentenced to 99 years each.

Deputy Simmons was survived by his expectant wife and eight children.

Bio

Age 44
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Sentenced to 20 years

ambush, retaliation

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I am Suzann Carter Tyree , granddaughter of Clarence , born Dec4th 1944. I am the third oldest granddaughters. My sister Ellen was to church seen ilhcsihfirst and my cousin Emily was second. My mother Hazel Marie was the oldest child of Clarence and she told us many things about her father. Watson ( Clarence Watson ) was the youngest. He would be born on Nov. , 17 , after his father death. This was a very close, large family, nine living children and 2 deceased. Clarence was a very loving family man who took his children to church the night before his death. Clearbrook Grace Brethren. His wife would continue that until each left home. She would walk then down 220 every Sunday . She had never driven it. Hubert and Carl her sons joined WW2 and sent money home to her . My mother, Hazel and my father Will helped raise her siblings . Mom got a job and helped with everything.David was Campbell also joined WW2 with Hubert and Carl. He would later marry Matilda Simmons. Our great grandmother was his aunt. Mabis would marry James Harding Maxey and Edna would marry Raymond Clay Martin. Vera Isabelle would marry Joe E Lescure .

Suzanne (Suzie) Tyree
3rd granddaughter

January 6, 2025