Former Orlando police officer William Simmons, 80, is accused of fatally shooting his wife, Nancy, 83, at their home on Feb. 21 during a dispute about going on a cruise

Nancy Simmons; William Simmons.Credit : Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home; Orange County Sheriff’s Office

A former Orlando police officer was indicted this month in connection with the killing of his 83-year-old wife, who had dementia.

William Simmons, 80, is accused of fatally shooting Nancy Simmons at their home in Orlando on Feb. 21 during a dispute about going on a cruise, according to court documents.

Shortly before 5:30 p.m. that day, an Orange County sheriff’s deputy responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at the couple’s home, according to Simmons’ arrest affidavit. When the deputy arrived, Simmons was standing in front of his garage, waving his hands to get the deputy’s attention.

Simmons told the deputy that Nancy was lying on their kitchen floor, where the deputy ultimately found her face down in a pool of blood, according to the affidavit. Authorities also found a shotgun on the floor with one spent shell casing nearby.

When asked whether there were any weapons in the house, Simmons allegedly told the deputy, “Well, one on the floor, I put it there.” He also allegedly said, “I do know what happened, I did it,” when questioned about what had occurred. He was then arrested on a charge of first-degree murder with a firearm.

Court documents further allege that during a subsequent interview with sheriff’s investigators, Simmons said he was guilty and had shot his wife after being “triggered” when she cursed at him multiple times during their argument about a cruise. He allegedly said he told Nancy he had “had enough” before shooting her once.

Simmons also allegedly told investigators that he had dealt with his wife’s dementia for too long, that he “loved the old Nancy” and that he would rather live in prison than deal with her.

“He confirmed that Nancy did not try to hurt him, he was not under the influence of narcotics, and this was not self-defense,” a sheriff’s detective wrote in an arrest warrant affidavit.

Simmons has pleaded not guilty and remains in the Orange County jail without bond. His attorney, Mark O’Mara, did not immediately reply to a request for comment Friday.

According to a spokesperson for the Orlando Police Department, Simmons was hired in 1975 and retired in 2000.

In an obituary, Nancy was remembered as someone who “left a lasting impression on everyone she met.”

“A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Nancy found her greatest happiness in the time spent with those she held dear,” the obituary continues. “Nancy’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.”

SOURCE: https://people.com/fla-man-indicted-for-allegedly-killing-wife-with-dementia-11996829