LONDON MAN JAILED FOR HEINOUS WIFE MURDER IN PETROL FIRE
Damion Simmons, 45 years old, has received a prison sentence of at least 32 years for the murder of his estranged wife, 36-year-old Denise Keane-Simmons.The fatal event took place in Harlesden, London, early on April 16, 2020, when Simmons poured petrol over Denise and ignited her.
She died from burns covering 60% of her body and inhalation injuries.
Described as controlling and jealous, Simmons had previously sent her a voice message stating he wanted her to suffer and die, and had uploaded explicit images of her on social media the night before the murder.
Evidence indicated that he had installed a secret camera in their bedroom and recorded her conversations.
On the night of the incident, Simmons placed a hidden camera in her room, threw petrol through her letterbox, broke into her house, and set it on fire.
During the trial, Simmons claimed he never intended for her to die, stating he was trying to set himself on fire when she intervened.
The court at the Old Bailey learned that he had been hiding in the garden, waiting for police to leave after their visit following reports of abusive social media messages.
The judge called the case a "desperately sad story," highlighting Simmons’ possessiveness and cruelty.
The victim’s family asserted that Simmons was fully aware of his plans and showed no remorse, noting her death has deeply affected loved ones.
A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) representative, Olcay Sapanoglu, condemned Simmons’ actions as tormenting and abusive, motivated by jealousy, which led to a tragic loss of life.
Additionally, Simmons was sentenced to 20 years concurrently for arson with intent to endanger life, with the judge emphasizing that his conduct has irreparably shattered Denise Keane-Simmons’ future.
