An 80-year-old Florida man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting his 83-year-old wife dead during a domestic dispute centred on whether to go on a cruise, according to police affidavits and official reports. William Simmons reportedly called emergency services himself and confessed to the killing, stating he would prefer incarceration to continuing life with his spouse.
Disturbing Confession and Crime Scene Details
On February 21, William Simmons, aged 80, contacted police dispatch in a calm manner, informing them that his wife "was down" and no longer capable of communication. When deputies arrived at the residence, they discovered Nancy Simmons, 83, unresponsive on the kitchen floor with a fatal gunshot wound to her upper torso. A shotgun and an empty shell casing were located beside her body, and she was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Argument Over Cruise Plans Turns Deadly
According to the investigative affidavit, Simmons confessed that he and his wife had been embroiled in a fierce argument about embarking on a cruise holiday. The confrontation escalated when Nancy repeatedly directed profanities at her husband, including telling him "f*** you, you bastard," which Simmons claimed triggered his violent response.
Simmons retrieved a shotgun from his bedroom closet and warned his wife he had "had enough and he could pull the trigger." After she swore at him again, he allegedly fired a single shot, killing her instantly. He later informed officers that his wife suffered from dementia, a condition he stated he had managed "for too long," expressing that he loved "the old Nancy" but would rather reside in prison than continue coping with her.
No Self-Defense Claim or Intoxication Involved
In his statements to law enforcement, Simmons explicitly denied that the shooting was an act of self-defense, confirming that his wife had not attempted to harm him during the incident. He also asserted he was not under the influence of any substances at the time. The Orange County Sheriff's Office has charged him with first-degree murder, and the case remains under active investigation as authorities seek further details.
This tragic incident highlights severe issues of domestic violence and elder conflict, underscoring the desperate and fatal consequences that can arise from unresolved disputes, even among long-married couples in their later years.
