Woman found guilty of manslaughter in 2022 and sentenced to life in prison

COLORADO SPRINGS – A Colorado Springs woman charged with murdering a man in 2022 has been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, according to the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

Deka Simmons was found guilty of the following charges in connection with the murder of Daxcimo Ceja:

• premeditated and intentional murder
• weapon used in violent crime
• Violent crime resulting in death/serious bodily harm
• Manipulation of evidence
• Manipulation of a deceased human body

An El Paso County judge sentenced Simmons to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 24 years for tampering with a human corpse and an additional three years for tampering with evidence. The sentences will be served consecutively.
“The successful outcome of this case against a woman who has proven to be a danger to members of our community required the dedication and persistence of many members of my office,” said District Attorney Michael Allen.

Simmons was charged in Ceja's death in April 2022, before his body was found. Ceja's body was found in October 2023.

Human remains found and identified as victim of 2022 murder

“I am very grateful for the hard work and diligence of this jury,” said Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Viehman, who led the prosecution team for the 4th District Attorney's Office. “Their careful review of the evidence in this case ensured that justice was done.”

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