On September 17, 2012 at approximately 0036 hours Amador County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a domestic violence incident at 5150 Welsh Pond Road, Plymouth. Upon arrival deputies interviewed a couple that cohabitated at the residence. The investigation determined they were having a verbal dispute regarding alleged infidelity. The verbal dispute escalated into a situation wherein the 66 year old female subject struck the 76 year old male victim with a piece of PVC pipe and then a glass jar. The glass jar caused a substantial laceration to the victim's head warranting treatment at Sutter Amador Hospital.
Amador County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Hein Thi Simmons and booked her into the Amador County Jail charged with violation of Infliction of a traumatic injury upon a spouse or cohabitan, Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, and,Elder Abuse resulting in great bodily injury.
On September 18, 2012 Simmons was released by the Amador County Superior Court on her promise to appear. The court also issued a domestic violence restraining order against Simmons, restraining her from contact with the victim and from the residence at 5150 Welsh Pond Road.
Now the story continues with the following incident.
On September 21, 2012 at approximately 2117 Amador County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the report of a residential fire at 5150 Welsh Pond Road with two people possibly still within the residence. Upon arrival, fire department personnel were on scene addressing the residential fire. Amador County Sheriff's Deputies contacted the two occupants who had escaped the fire. The 76 year male subject was suffering from significant burns and was only able to make a brief statement. American Legion Ambulance personnel treated the burn victim and transferred him to a helicopter for transportation to UC Davis Medical Center. Simmons was also found at the property and was transported to Sutter Amador Hospital for minor burns.
Amador Fire Protection District (AFPD) personnel searched the scene and collected evidence as to the cause and origin of the fire. The preliminary investigation led the AFPD Investigator to believe an accelerant had been utilized.
Simmons was interviewed by Amador County Sheriff's Deputies at the hospital and subsequently by Amador County Sheriff's Detectives. Simmons made several admissions, and provided varying accounts of what had transpired, with the final version being that she was attempting to commit suicide.
Simmons was arrested by Amador County Sheriff's Detectives and charged with Arson causing great bodily injury; Aggravated Arson; Elder Abuse resulting in great bodily injury; felony committed while released on a pending felony; and violating a court order to prevent domestic violence resulting in an injury. Amador County Mental Health was also notified regarding Simmons statement of attempted suicide.
On Thursday September 27, 2012 Amador County Sheriff's Detectives drafted and executed a search warrant at the burned remains of the residence at 5150 Welch Pond Road, Plymouth. Amador County Sheriff's Detectives are working collaboratively with an investigator from Amador Fire Protection District on this arson investigation.
Story by press release edited by Tom Slivick.
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