Fatal Princeton Car Chase Lawsuit Implicating Mayor Ends In $7.25M Settlement

PRINCETON, NJ — A lawsuit over the 2021 death of a South Brunswick woman killed in a crash following a car chase involving Princeton Mayor Mark Freda has been settled for a total of $7.25 million, according to the family's attorney.

Jodi Marcou, 61, was killed on Nov. 7, 2021, when a stolen vehicle being driven by 15-year-old Damajia Jenay Horner crossed into her lane and struck her car head-on. Horner, who had stolen the vehicle in Princeton, also died in the crash.

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According to the lawsuit, Freda — a 45-year veteran of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS) — activated the blue warning light on his personal vehicle and joined police in pursuing Horner's vehicle before the crash. The lawsuit alleged Freda's actions were in direct conflict with the policies of the municipality, the police department and PFARS, and that his pursuit was a direct cause of the collision.

In a June 2024 deposition, Freda testified that he activated his blue light that day "as the mayor," explaining that there was no active PFARS or fire department dispatch at the time, which he said made it impossible for him to have been acting in either of those capacities. He acknowledged that passing vehicles by crossing the double yellow line was inconsistent with PFARS and fire department policy, and said he could not recall another instance of using the blue light outside those roles. Asked about his intent that day, Freda testified he wanted to position himself to call 911 and report the vehicles' location and direction of travel.

PFARS suspended Freda for 30 days after a civil complaint alleged inappropriate use of the blue lights, according to a deposition from PFARS Chief Matthew Stiff. Stiff testified the organization conducted the suspension based on the allegation that the lights had been used inappropriately.

The Marcou family initially filed suit in 2022 against Elhajjmalik Diallo, who authorities said had hired teens to steal cars in Princeton, including the vehicle Horner was driving. The lawsuit was amended in 2023 to add Freda, the Municipality of Princeton and PFARS as defendants.

According to attorney Nicholas J. Leonardis of Stathis & Leonardis, who represented the Marcou family, the settlement breaks down as follows:

• The Municipality of Princeton (insurance fund) paid $3.5 million

• Freda paid $2.3 million individually from his personal auto insurance policies

• PFARS paid $100,000

• The insurance policy of the stolen vehicle's owner paid $100,000

• An additional $1.25 million was paid through the Marcou family's uninsured motorist coverage, since Horner was uninsured at the time of the crash

"This particular crash was completely avoidable and senseless," Leonardis said.

"This woman was on her way into Princeton from Kendall Park to go pick out flowers for her daughter's wedding. She was meeting her daughter in Princeton for what was supposed to be an extremely beautiful day. She died at the scene. She did not have the opportunity to watch her daughter's wedding, to watch her son's wedding, and there are now three grandchildren that she has never seen."

Leonardis said the family was relieved to resolve the case without the added pain of reliving the events at trial, which is why they chose to settle rather than go to court.

Freda has not been charged with any crime or traffic violation in connection with the incident. He declined to comment on the settlement.

Marcou was an employee at Rutgers University, working as a Development Specialist. She was a 1980 graduate of Rider University. An activist, Marcou served for years on the South Brunswick Human Relations Commission as a member and Vice-Chair.

In May 2022, the township dedicated a bench in Veterans Park in her honor.

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