Woman burned to death in St. Paul murder
On Tuesday, a man attacked and set fire to a woman, killing her.
Around 9 a.m., St. Paul police were called to a fire near the 1700 block of Wynne Avenue. They found an unconscious woman in her 40s with burns, later identified as Kelli R. Goodermont, 45, of Bloomington by the Ramsey County medical examiner.
Medics assisted the victim, but she died on the spot. Police say it appears to be a domestic homicide witnessed by many people working nearby.
Authorities immediately identified a suspect, later identified as Bloomington resident Patrick Morris Simmons.
Simmons allegedly set fire to his Bloomington home after killing his ex-girlfriend.
Neighbors in Simmons’ cul de sac say he had a long history of mental illness that had recently worsened. He allegedly said the devil was in everything.
“He would read his bible every night and he would go around the house with certain smoke and try to know pray it away and he did rituals like that for many months,” neighbor Nicholas Berg told FOX 9.
“He just believed that it was constantly around him, it was in his house, it was in certain people and he was trying his best to keep it away and keep it out, but it seemed like he couldn’t get rid of it he tried his best.”
Simmons was arrested and taken to the Bloomington Police Department. He was later released from Bloomington custody and transported to St. Paul for questioning in a homicide investigation. They had a prior relationship, it was discovered.
“I just know that this senseless act of violence will cause ripples of grief and pain to the victim’s loved ones and family,” said St. Paul Police Department Sgt. Natalie Davis, holding back tears during a press conference.
The horrific circumstances of Kelli Goodermont’s murder and the suspect’s deranged claims to police after his arrest are coming to light.
According to the criminal complaint, Simmons was arrested near his burning home. Officers say Simmons shook their hands and apologized for the dried blood on his hands.
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In a later interview, Simmons allegedly told investigators he had dated Goodermont for 11 years and she was the mother of his children. Simmons told cops that Goodermont was a “witch” and that he feared his babies would be sacrificed to witchcraft.
A knife and gas were brought from home, Simmons admitted, stabbing Goodermont six or seven times before soaking her in fuel and setting her ablaze.
Simmons allegedly claimed Goodermont had made a pact with the devil and he feared paranormal activity.
According to the autopsy report, Goodermont was stabbed in the face, neck, and left shoulder.
Simmons is charged with second-degree murder.
