In 1978, Simon Nelson of Rockford, IL brutally beat his wife to the brink of death while also murdering his six children and pet dachshund. Where did this animalistic rage come from? Nelson and his wife Ann had been experiencing some marital issues. Ann was discontent with Simon’s drinking habits as well as his sloppy overweight appearance. Simon tried to appease Ann’s discontent by joining a local fitness program, shaving off his beard, and even trying harder at work. Despite all his new life habits, Nelson found out that Ann had full intentions to file for divorce. This news devastated Simon. His family was his purpose for life. Nelson went to a hotel Ann was staying at to try and work his marriage out. When things began to lead nowhere, Simon went home and murdered his six children and the family dog. After committing these heinous crimes, he went back to Ann and beat her until the cops came. He was arrested upon arrival. …show more content…
Nelson brutally beat each of his children with a rubber headed mallet before slicing their throats with a hunting knife. The family pet, a dachshund, also suffered from a sliced throat. Second degree murder was the choice due to the lack of premeditation but intended malice. Simon was overcome with rage at the news of his wife filling for divorce, so in order to get back at her he decided to kill all six of their children along with the family dog.
Simon Nelson was a both a contradiction as well as a prime example of a statistical killer. Simon differed in that most individuals that commit homicides tend to be younger, generally 18 – 24. Similarly, it is a rarity for individuals to extinguish their own family members due to a deep-rooted desire to see your bloodline flourish rather than diminish. Despite his dissimilarities, Simon was a prime example of a despondent officer. Simon likely suffered from depression stemming from his wife’s