Forest Hill murderer Shane Simmonds jailed for life

Shane Simmonds, 39, murdered his wife Tia at their home on Parbury Road, Forest Hill, on New Year’s Day.   

Tia’s mum said just days before the killing they had all enjoyed a “normal family Christmas with food and games”, but Simmonds’ internet history later revealed that he had been planning his wife’s murder for at least a month.  

On December 2 he had searched “how long for a dead body to smell” and in November he researched sleeping pill deaths. 

At the Old Bailey on Thursday (October 17) Judge Philip Katz KC sentenced Simmonds to life with a minimum of 32 years. 

Judge Katz said: “Tia Simmonds was 32-years-old when she was drugged and stabbed to death in her own room.” 

Tia was in the prime of her life and had four adoring children, the judge added. 

Tia’s dad stared at the killer as he described how Tia’s murder had broken his heart.  

He said: “My daughter Tia was an incredible woman. She made me proud every day with all she accomplished.   

“She was a strong determined woman, a business owner, but best of all mother to my beautiful grandchildren who have been left without a mother.” 

Prosecutor Deanna Heer KC said while their kids were out of the home on January 1 Simmonds mixed 30 sleeping pills into two drinks, telling Tia it was a “health shot”.  

Tia took only a few sips due to the taste, so Simmonds got a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her twice in the neck as she got out of the shower.  

He then covered her body in bedding and clothing then hid it in the attic, Ms Heer said.  

Simmonds then cleaned the scene before he picked their children and Tia’s mum up from Bromley, telling them Tia had gone out with a friend and later that she was staying in a hotel.  

On January 3 he turned up at Lewisham Police Station and told the reception officer “I f***ed up big this time, I killed my wife”.  

He also confessed to raping another female.  

Ms Heer said Tia and Simmonds had been married for a decade.  

Tia’s mum said they appeared to be a happy couple with a strong relationship, but Ms Heer said: “Below the surface it seemed that things weren’t quite as she thought.”  

Simmonds had worked as a prison officer but lost his job prior to the Covid lockdowns, claiming he had been “stiffed”.  

At the time of the murder he was working as an Uber driver but had a gambling problem and was in debt.  

He was also using prostitutes and Tia suspected he was cheating on her, the court heard.  

Three months before her murder Tia had told a friend she was unhappy and was thinking about ending their marriage.  

The crime scene on Parbury Road (Image: NQ) In his police interview Simmonds said he was depressed and felt he was losing his family.  

He said when he stabbed Tia in the neck, he felt nothing. 

Judge Katz said there was no evidence of any mental illness which would explain Simmonds’ actions. 

Tia ran a childminding business and was described as having a heart of gold.  

Her dad said: “There’s no forgiveness in me for the coward before me, or for anyone who would support such a monster.  

“I wish I could be there when the devil collects your soul which you have sold.  

“Tia will be remembered as the person she is, and you will be remembered as nothing.” 

Tia’s godmother also read her statement in front of Simmonds in court. 

She said: “Tia was brutally murdered by the man we once welcomed into our family with open arms.   

“This man was treated as a son and brother, was showered with love and kindness. Yet in return for that love he took Tia’s life, shattering our world and leaving us in unimaginable pain.”  

Tia’s mum described Simmonds as “evil beyond words”.  

“As you sit and rot in prison I hope Tia comes to your every thought. I hope memories of her haunt you,” she said.