A federal jury has delivered a guilty verdict against an inmate accused of hate-motivated violence that resulted in another inmate's death at Thomson Penitentiary in Illinois. Identified as Brandon Simonson, also known by the moniker "Whitey," the 41-year-old from Moorhead, Minn., was convicted on charges including second-degree murder and hate crime. The decision came after a seven-day trial in U.S. District Court in Rockford, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The evidence presented during the trial exposed a chilling story of bigotry and violence behind bars. Simonson, in conspiracy with his co-defendant Kristopher Martin, targeted Matthew Phillips because he was Jewish, hoping to gain entry into the white supremacist prison gang, Valhalla Bound Skinheads. Their assault on Phillips was a brutal display of unchecked hatred, which caused his death on March 5, 2020. Simonson's partner, Martin, known as "No Luck," has already pleaded guilty and awaits his own sentencing.
Tentative sentencing for Simonson is scheduled for August 22, 2025, announced by U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston. "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," said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros in a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He also praised the prosecutors and law enforcement agencies for their dedication to seeing the case through.
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Douglas S. DePodesta underscored the commitment to hold offenders accountable even within the prison system. "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 said, inviting the public to report any violent or suspicious behavior to aid in community safety. Assistance from the Federal Bureau of Prisons was also recognized as pivotal in securing the convictions.
