Tony Holt

The Devil of Pope County: America's Worst Family Massacre

News EN ↓ 7 episodes

In December 1987, Ronald Gene Simmons murdered 16 people – including his entire family – and wounded four more in Russellville, Ark. In this six-part series that includes interviews with those who survived the violent rampage, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter Tony Holt looks back on Arkansas' largest mass murder and its aftermath.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: www.arkansasonline.com

Author

Tony Holt

Episodes

Episode 6: Always On My Mind 18.12.2023 50:48

The state of Arkansas executes its most notorious serial killer, but how notorious is he really? Nightmares linger for those familiar with the case. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Episode 5: A Neutralizing Maneuver 11.12.2023 30:16

Ronald Gene Simmons stands trial twice, gets convicted twice. He beckons the state to execute him as quickly as possible. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Episode 4: Fleeing to Arkansas 04.12.2023 37:38

Ronald Gene Simmons retires after a decorated military career. He and his family abandon New Mexico before authorities can move in to arrest him for sex crimes. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Episode 3: No Sign of Life 27.11.2023 31:52

One day after Christmas, the rest of the Simmons family visits Mockingbird Hill and are executed. Detectives find all the carnage. Simmons invites a local news anchor to visit him in jail. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Episode 2: I'll See You in Hell 20.11.2023 31:46

Ronald Gene Simmons methodically murders his wife and younger children. A large hole on the property becomes a massive grave. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Episode 1: The Russellville Rampage 13.11.2023 35:28

Two people are killed and four are injured during a shooting spree the morning of Dec. 28, 1987 across Russellville. Law enforcement becomes fearful of a gruesome discovery at a house near Dover. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.

Trailer - The Devil of Pope County: America's Worst Family Massacre 06.11.2023 1:22

Join Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter Tony Holt as he looks back on the story of Ronald Gene Simmons and the largest massacre in the history of Arkansas. Visit arkansasonline.com/podcast23 for an exclusive subscription offer available only to podcast listeners.