Bio

James Daniel Simpson was born in 1967. He grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas. Details about his early childhood are limited, but he was known to be quiet and somewhat meek. Simpson had an interest in science, which led him to pursue a career in metallurgy.

Simpson worked at the Walter Rossler Company as a metallurgist. He started his job there in 1993. For about a year, he performed his duties well. However, in September 1994, he quit his job. One reason for leaving was that he was assigned tasks he did not enjoy. He preferred working exclusively in metallurgy but was also asked to take on inspections and other duties. This dissatisfaction with his job contributed to his decision to resign.

After he left the company, there were financial issues as well. The company had loaned him money for his education. They later sought repayment for that loan, which added stress to his situation. Despite his time at the company, Simpson did not seem to have serious conflicts with his co-workers or supervisors. Many who knew him described him as a quiet man who did not show outward anger.

By 1995, Simpson's life took a troubled turn. He was reportedly struggling with depression. His mental state appeared to worsen after he left his job. There are no records of criminal behavior or mental illness that would have kept him from purchasing firearms legally.

Simpson's life before the tragic events of April 3, 1995, reflects a man who faced significant personal and professional challenges. His early experiences and circumstances shed light on the factors that shaped his life leading up to the tragic day at the Walter Rossler Company.

Murder Story

On April 3, 1995, James Daniel Simpson entered his former workplace, the Walter Rossler Company in Corpus Christi, Texas. Armed with a Ruger 9mm pistol and a .32-caliber revolver, he started shooting at the employees inside. His first victims were Walter Rossler, 62, and his wife Joann Rossler, 61. He then continued to shoot Richard Lee Tomlinson, 34; Derek Harrison, 35; and Patty J. “Wendy” Brunson Gilmore, 41. After killing five people in total, Simpson left the building through the back door. He then shot himself in the head behind the building.

The shooting was swift and tragic. It happened shortly after Simpson had quit his job at the company, where he had been employed as a metallurgist. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and horrific. One survivor, Lisa Rossler, who was holding her infant son, confronted Simpson and pleaded for him not to shoot. After his rampage, Simpson took his own life. No one else was injured in the incident.

Simpson had acquired the firearms legally. There were no records of criminal behavior or mental illness that would have prevented him from purchasing the guns. Police reports suggested that his actions may have stemmed from depression linked to his job. The incident shocked the community, which was still grieving from another violent event involving the murder of Tejano music star Selena just days before.

Simpson was remembered by some as quiet and somewhat meek, but the reasons behind his tragic actions remained unclear. The aftermath of the shootings left emotional scars on the victims' families, who faced the difficult process of healing while dealing with their immense loss.