Arrest Made in Homicide Fire Coverup

Big Bear Lake, CA – June 24, 2015 –   As we previously reported on April 28, 2015, at approximately 11:20 a.m., deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a deceased male at a residence in the 42000 block of Willow Avenue in Big Bear Lake. A relative of the deceased called the Sheriff’s Department after finding the victim, 33-year-old George Kovacevich, dead at the location. Deputies determined Kovacevich to be the victim of a gunshot wound.
John David Simmons was identified the next day as the suspect in this matter. Simmons was located and found to be suffering from a gunshot wound. Suspect Simmons was interviewed and then transported to a local area hospital for medical attention.
Investigators learned that Simmons and Kovacevich met at the location to trade stolen guns. An argument ensued between Kovacevich and Simmons. Kovacevich shot the suspect Simmons. Simmons returned fire, killing Kovacevich. Simmons then took all of the stolen guns, along with the victim’s identification, and fled the scene.
Several hours later, Simmons returned to the cabin where he spread a flammable liquid inside the residence and left the gas stove on in an attempt to destroy any evidence and conceal his involvement in the homicide.
On June 19, 2015, the District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against suspect John Simmons for burglary, attempted arson, destruction of evidence, and possession of stolen property. Later that day John Simmons as taken into custody without incident and was booked into the Big Bear Jail. He remains in custody in lieu of $350,000.00 bail. The arraignment was held on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at San Bernardino County Superior Court.