Shane Simmonds, 39, has admitted to killing his wife, Tia Simmonds, whose body was discovered in the attic of their Forest Hill home earlier this year. The 32-year-old’s body was found at their residence on Parbury Road on January 3, 2024, prompting a police investigation that led to Simmonds’ arrest.
Simmonds is accused of murdering Tia between January 1 and January 2. During a court appearance via video link at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, August 6, Simmonds entered his plea. He pleaded “Not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter,” and clarified that he admits to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Simmonds also pleaded guilty to two counts of rape against a teenage girl.
Despite his plea, the court has scheduled a full murder trial, set to begin on October 14, 2024. The trial will further examine the circumstances surrounding Tia Simmonds’ death and the charges against Shane Simmonds.
The case has shocked the local community, and as the trial date approaches, the legal proceedings will seek to determine the final verdict on the charges faced by Simmonds.
