Sligo Man Sentenced to Less Than 12 Years in Prison in Death of Father

| August 31, 2013

CLARION, Pa. – A 55-year-old Sligo man has been sentenced to less than 12 years in prison for assaulting his father on July 15, 2012, which resulted in the 79-year-old man’s death.

55-year-old James Michael Shimmons, of Sligo, was sentenced in Clarion County Court from 5 years, 10 months to 11 years, 8 months for Aggravated Assault and Simple Assault.

On August 1, 2013, during a jury trial, he was found not guilty of third-degree murder in the death of his father, 79-year-old Cloyd Shimmons, also of Sligo.

Shimmons was originally charged with First Degree Murder, but these charges were dismissed following an omnibus motion for suppression of evidence, according to Clarion County District Attorney Mark Aaron.

According to court documents previously reviewed by exploreClarion.com, on July 15, 2012, 79-year-old Cloyd Shimmons (pictured on left) was assaulted by his son, James Shimmons, during a heated argument.

Cloyd Shimmons told police that the dispute started when he heard loud music and loud noise coming from a television in his son’s room. Shimmons stated that he went into the room and found his son and his son’s girlfriend having sexual relations.

Cloyd Shimmons told police he stated to his son, “Not in my house.”

James Shimmons allegedly followed his father out into the hallway where his father allegedly slapped him several times. James Shimmons allegedly proceeded to strike Cloyd Shimmons in the face, causing the victim to fall to the floor. James Shimmons then allegedly jumped on the victim and struck him with his fists.

Cloyd Shimmons told police that his son threatened to “kill him.”

James Shimmons’ girlfriend pulled him from his father according to court documents.

Cloyd Shimmons also told police that prior to the incident, the defendant and the defendant’s girlfriend were in the TV room with him (the father) drinking alcohol.

Cloyd Shimmons, who had a blood disorder, was taken via ambulance to the Clarion Hospital Emergency Room for severe injuries to his nose and left cheek. Reports also indicate he sustained bruising throughout his body.

Cloyd Shimmons was later transported to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh where he was pronounced dead on July 17, 2012.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said Cloyd Shimmons died of blunt force trauma to the head.

Shimmons will receive credit of time already served in the county jail since his arrest on July 15, 2012.


Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.

Tags: ,

Category: Local News, News, Police & Fire Calls