An inmate at Thomson Penitentiary in Illinois has been found guilty of murder and hate crime charges following the death of another inmate. The verdict was reached after a seven-day trial in U.S. District Court in Rockford, where Brandon Simonson, also known as "Whitey," was convicted on all four counts against him, including second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hate crime, and assault related to the death of Matthew Phillips. Sentencing is scheduled for August 22, 2025.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Simonson collaborated with co-defendant Kristopher Martin to attack Phillips due to his Jewish faith. The assault was intended to gain recognition within a white supremacist prison gang called the Valhalla Bound Skinheads. Simonson physically assaulted Phillips by punching and kicking him in the face and head while he was unconscious. This attack on March 2, 2020, resulted in Phillips' death three days later.
Kristopher Martin, also known as "No Luck," pleaded guilty earlier this year and awaits sentencing.
The convictions were announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, alongside Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the FBI's Chicago Field Office. The Federal Bureau of Prisons provided significant assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vincenza L. Tomlinson and Ronald DeWald represented the government.
U.S. Attorney Boutros expressed gratitude towards the jury for their decision: “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.” He emphasized that such criminal acts will not be tolerated within their district or prison system.
FBI SAC DePodesta stated: “The FBI and our law enforcement partners hold those accountable who compromise the safety or lives of others, even those serving sentences in prison.” He urged public cooperation in reporting any suspicious behavior to help maintain community safety.