A quiet Orlando neighborhood became the scene of a devastating tragedy when an 80-year-old former police officer allegedly shot and killed his wife — then calmly admitted to deputies, “I did it.”
William Elwood Simmons was arrested Saturday, February 21, and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his 83-year-old wife, Nancy Simmons.
According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by Us Weekly, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the couple’s home around 5:15 p.m. after a chilling 911 call. The caller reportedly said his wife “was down and I’m just sitting here.”
When deputies arrived, they found Simmons in the garage, waving them down.
“I do know what happened,” he allegedly told officers. “I did it.”
Inside the home, deputies discovered Nancy Simmons in the kitchen with a fatal gunshot wound. A shotgun and spent shell casing were found nearby on the floor, according to investigators.
Simmons was taken into custody and transported to the police station, where authorities say he confessed again.
Investigators say the couple had been arguing in the kitchen about going on a cruise. According to the affidavit, Nancy allegedly repeated, “F— you, you bastard,” during the heated exchange.
Simmons told detectives the argument “triggered” him. He allegedly walked to the bedroom, retrieved a shotgun from the closet, returned to the kitchen, and shot his wife once after she repeated the insult.
During questioning, Simmons reportedly admitted he had been struggling with his wife’s dementia diagnosis and said he loved “the old Nancy.” He allegedly told officers he had dealt with her condition for “far too long” and “would rather live in prison than to deal with her.”
He is currently being held at Orange County Jail without bond. It remains unclear whether he has entered a plea or retained an attorney.
Very little is publicly known about the couple’s relationship, including how long they were married, whether they had children, or when Nancy was diagnosed with dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in memory, language, and other cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Simmons could face life in prison without parole — or potentially the death penalty.
Florida has significantly ramped up its use of capital punishment in recent years. In 2025 alone, a record 19 executions were carried out in the state. Under Florida law, executions are typically performed by lethal injection, though inmates sentenced to death may choose electrocution instead.
Every married man in America can relate & sympathize with this guy even BEFORE dementia sets in.
Any information regarding a GoFund me account or defense fund??
So many elderly are dealing with dementia and it takes it toll .