Father of five killed on his birthday and the day of his sister's funeral
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Earl Simmons attended his sister’s Celebration of Life at a northeast Columbus church on Friday. Simmons returned home as he was expecting family to stop by because it was his 54th birthday. Police said Simmons was shot when he tried to break up a fight.
Simmons’ mother Betty Simmons-Williams said “They need to get a handle on these guns. Try to get some of the guns off the street. Too many people’s dying from guns.”
Police said several weapons were fired in the Schenley Drive neighborhood on the northeast side. Simmons was hit by one of the bullets.
Simmons’ sister Jacqueline Burley said now they are preparing for another funeral. “I just need help to find out who killed my brother. Why did they kill my brother? They didn’t have no right to kill my brother,” said Burley. “We need help on this. We need closure.”
MORE: Man fatally shot while trying to break up fight in northeast Columbus
Ted Crome, Simmons’ cousin said Earl “was about peace. Kids took to him and all,” said Crome.
“One of the best people you want to meet. He’d give you the shirt off his back. He was that type of person. Just a fun loving person,” Crome said.
“It is extremely tough on the family. We trust and pray almighty God, and we put our trust and faith in Him, that is what keeps us going day by day,” Crome said.
So far Columbus Police have not made an arrest in the case.
