It’s been nine years since Robert Lee Simmons, Jr. was murdered. Now, investigators hope new leads and help from the public will lead them to his killer.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is asking for help from anyone who may have information about Simmons’ last days and his death.
A family member found the 46-year-old dead in his home at Glendale Apartments on Norman Drive in Toccoa on March 1, 2011.
Since then, his family’s been tormented by unanswered questions.
“I would like to say to the public, picture if it was your family member that was murdered. Wouldn’t you want to know?” asks Simmons’ sister Katina Aaron. “These nine years have been hell and we need justice, and his mother wants justice before she leaves this earth.”
Aaron has helped keep the media spotlight on the case through the years. She makes annual visits to her brother’s apartment complex to hand out flyers and seek information.
The GBI says the case has remained active.
“Recently, investigators have received new promising leads in this investigation and are asking for help from those who knew Simmons,” says GBI spokesperson Natalie Ammons. “Even the smallest detail may help police with this investigation.
Unhappy with how the investigation was first handled, Aaron says she now has renewed hope.
“Since the GBI has been involved, I’m hopeful and with Shiloh [GBI Special Agent Shiloh Crane] being involved, I’m really hopeful,” she says.
She’s also determined. Katina Aaron wants her brother’s killer to know she’s not giving up.
“You can run, but you can’t hide,” Aaron says in a pointed message to whoever is responsible for her brother’s death. “It’s been nine long years and me and my family want justice. I want to know why? I want to know why you killed my brother and to let you know I will never ever give up looking for you until you are caught and justice is served.”
The Simmons’ family and law enforcement implore anyone with information to contact the GBI or Toccoa Police Department. There is a reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
GBI Special Agent Crane may be reached at 706-348-4866. Tips also may be left on the GBI Tipline at 800-597-8477 or through the GBI website at www.gbi.georgia.gov.
The Toccoa Police Department may be reached at 706-282-3244.
This article has been updated to include Katina Aaron’s comments