Shane Simmonds, 39, has been convicted of murdering his wife, Tia Simmonds, 32, at their home on Parbury Road, Forest Hill, on New Year’s Day. The chilling case revealed that Simmonds had been planning the murder for at least a month, despite the family having spent what seemed like a “normal” Christmas together just days earlier.
Tia’s mother, who had spent the holiday with the couple and their children, said they had shared “food and games” during the festive season, completely unaware of the impending tragedy. However, evidence presented at The Old Bailey showed that Simmonds’ internet searches from December 2 included phrases such as “how long for a dead body to smell,” and in November, he researched sleeping pill deaths.
Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC told the court that on January 1, while their children were out of the house, Simmonds mixed 30 sleeping pills into two drinks, claiming they were “health shots” for his wife. However, when Tia only took a few sips due to the bitter taste, Simmonds resorted to violence. As she got out of the shower, he grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her twice in the neck.
After killing Tia, Simmonds covered her body with bedding and clothing before hiding it in the attic. He then cleaned the crime scene and picked up their children and Tia’s mother from Bromley, lying to them that Tia had gone out with a friend and later telling them she was staying in a hotel.
On January 3, Simmonds walked into Lewisham Police Station and confessed to the crime, saying: “I f***ed up big this time, I killed my wife.” He also admitted to raping another woman.
The court heard that Simmonds and Tia had been married for ten years and were thought to have a strong relationship. However, Tia had confided in a friend that she was unhappy and had been contemplating ending their marriage in the months leading up to her death.
Simmonds had previously worked as a prison officer but lost his job before the Covid lockdowns, which he blamed for his financial struggles. At the time of the murder, he was working as an Uber driver and had a gambling addiction. He was also in debt and had been using prostitutes, with Tia suspecting he was unfaithful.
Simmonds had no prior criminal record, but his defence claimed he was depressed and struggling with feelings of losing his family. He reportedly felt nothing when he stabbed his wife, according to his police interview. It was also revealed that he had been using anabolic steroids before the murder, despite no longer attending the gym.
Simmonds now faces a life sentence, with Judge Philip Katz KC set to determine the minimum length of that sentence.
