Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, Virginia
End of Watch Friday, April 17, 1936
Add to My HeroesClarence 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
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsI was born 20 years after my Grandfather was killed. Wish I could have known him. I heard a lot about him from my Dad. I visit his grave every Christmas.
Grandson William Simmons
November 25, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Matthew Pierson
Shelby County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: August 29, 2023

Sheriff Robert Daniel Rodgers
Wilcox County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 29, 2023