In 1974, Carolyn Sue Rogers was shot and killed during a liquor store robbery in Oklahoma City. Simmons was 22 years old when him and a co-defendant were convicted and sentenced to death in 1975. After spending 48 years in prison, at age 70, Simmons was released. The courts found clear and convincing evidence that Simmons was not responsible for the murder or the robbery that occurred. His sentence was vacated when the courts discovered that the prosecution did not turn over all of their evidence during the trial, and that a witness had pointed out several other men during the lineup as well.