A little more than 20 years ago, Lindsey Lashawn Simmons was discovered brutally murdered inside her Lake City apartment. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, Lake City police officers arrested and charged three individuals in relation to the cold case.
“Make no mistake, this is not the time for a victory lap, there is a long road ahead, a road that leads to a conviction of all involved,” said Police Chief Patrick Miles. “For over twenty years this case has remained open, and I am completely humbled that we are able to announce these arrests.”
Simmons was 19 years old at the time she was murdered, just six days before her 20th birthday. Arrested and charged are:
Kim Burgess, 56
- Murder
- Murder, homicide by child abuse, aiding and abetting
- Weapons / possession of a weapon during violent crime
- Conspiracy / criminal conspiracy
Tonya Sevelle Burgess, 49
- Murder
- Weapons / possession of a weapon during violent crime
- Conspiracy / criminal conspiracy
Mack Nelson Hanna, 60
- Accessory, accessory after the fact to murder
- Murder, homicide by child abuse, aiding and abetting
All three individuals were denied bond Thursday, Dec. 19, and remain in custody at the Florence County Detention Center in Effingham.
Lake City Police Department made the arrests with assistance from FBI special agents and members of the United States Marshalls Fugitive Task Force.
“Our Criminal Investigations Division, along with the special agents with the FBI, have worked tirelessly over the past several months reviewing existing evidence, resubmitting and reevaluating each step investigators before them have taken, they have reinterviewed witnesses and discovered new information,” said Miles. “Essentially, they have gone through this case with a fine-tooth comb and done an outstanding job.”
“Investigations into Ms. Simmons case have led to the discovery of other serious, tragic offenses,” said Miles. “All of these investigations are actively being worked and will continue to be worked until convictions have been secured.”
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