Widow of NYPD officer from Long Island files lawsuit against husband’s killers for compensation

Leanne Simonsen, the wife of a deceased NYPD detective, has taken legal action against the two individuals convicted in her husband’s fatal shooting during an unfortunate robbery incident. Court documents reveal that after these inmates were awarded a substantial sum of money from New York City as part of a class-action case, Simonsen filed a wrongful death lawsuit under the “Son of Sam” law to prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes.

The lawsuit came to light after it was discovered that the two convicted individuals, Jagger Freeman and Christopher Ransom, were granted considerable sums of money by New York City in 2023. These amounts, totaling $367,500, were awarded to Freeman and Ransom through the class-action lawsuit they were a part of, along with over 4,000 pretrial detainees. These detainees argued that they were unjustly held in isolated conditions at Rikers Island and the now-closed Manhattan Detention Complex.

The entire settlement, amounting to over $53 million, was distributed among the detainees, with varying amounts allocated depending on the duration of their isolation. Simonsen, upon learning of this, expressed her shock and disbelief, stating that it was a disrespectful act not only towards her family but also towards the memory of her late husband. She considered the reward given to the perpetrators of her husband’s untimely death as a direct insult to all the victims, emphasizing the pain and loss she had endured while they were being financially compensated.

In response to these disheartening events, Simonsen, along with her attorney James Moschella, has taken legal action to ensure that the funds received by Freeman and Ransom are frozen, preventing them from accessing the money. The “Son of Sam” law plays a crucial role in this regard, allowing for the cessation of any money related to the inmates’ crimes. Moschella expressed his disbelief at the substantial amounts received by the inmates and emphasized the importance of preventing them from benefiting from their crimes while the victims continue to suffer.

After 19 years of service, Brian Simonsen, a respected NYPD detective, lost his life in the line of duty while responding to a robbery. The incident, which occurred in February 2019, resulted in his tragic death by friendly fire amid intense crossfire. While Simonsen’s supervisor was also injured during the operation, the emotional toll on Simonsen’s family and community was immeasurable.

Simonsen’s lawsuit aims to reclaim the money awarded to Freeman and Ransom, seeking additional compensatory and punitive damages. Despite the financial aspect, Simonsen emphasized that her pursuit of justice is more about the principle of holding criminals accountable and seeking closure for the loss of her beloved husband. The legal battle continues as Simonsen fights for justice and to honor the memory of her late husband, Brian Simonsen.