An inmate at Thomson Penitentiary in Illinois has been found guilty of murder and a hate crime related to the death of another inmate. After a seven-day trial, the jury in U.S. District Court in Rockford convicted Brandon Simonson, also known as "Whitey," of Moorhead, Minnesota, on four counts: second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hate crime, and assault. The charges stem from the death of Matthew Phillips. Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2025.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Simonson conspired with Kristopher Martin to attack Phillips because he was Jewish. The assault was reportedly an attempt to gain recognition within a white supremacist prison gang called the Valhalla Bound Skinheads. Simonson was accused of punching and kicking Phillips in the face and head while Phillips was unconscious and unable to defend himself. The attack occurred on March 2, 2020, leading to Phillips' death three days later.
Kristopher Martin, also known as "No Luck," from Brazil, Indiana, had previously pleaded guilty earlier this year and is awaiting sentencing.
The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside Douglas S. DePodesta from the FBI's Chicago Field Office. The Federal Bureau of Prisons provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincenza L. Tomlinson and Ronald DeWald represented the government.
"We are grateful to the jury for delivering justice in a very difficult case for Mr. Phillips’ family and the people of the Northern District of Illinois," stated U.S. Attorney Boutros. He emphasized that such criminal acts will not be tolerated within their district or prison system.
"The FBI and our law enforcement partners hold those accountable who compromise the safety or lives of others," said FBI SAC DePodesta. He urged public cooperation in reporting any threatening or suspicious behavior to local law enforcement or the FBI.
