Princeton Mayor, Council Speak Out On Fatal Crash Settlement

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Council and Mayor Mark Freda have issued separate statements on the $7.25 million settlement over a 2021 crash that killed a South Brunswick woman. It is the first time either has spoken publicly about the case.

The council said it backed the municipality’s legal position that Freda was acting outside his official duties when he joined a police pursuit of a stolen car. Freda said he acted “out of concern for the safety of my community.”

Jodi Marcou, 61, died Nov. 7, 2021, when the stolen car crossed into her lane and hit her vehicle head-on. The 15-year-old driver also died. As Patch previously reported, the Marcou family’s lawsuit alleged that Freda, a longtime member of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, turned on a blue light on his personal vehicle and joined police in chasing the car.

Council: ‘We do not speak for the mayor’

The council said it was responding to residents’ questions and wanted to give “a more complete account of how this matter was handled.”

“This statement is not intended to reflect our individual views about the incident or the actions of any individual; nor do we speak for the mayor,” the statement said.

The municipality and Freda were represented by opposing attorneys, according to the council. Freda maintained he was acting in his official capacity, and the town’s attorney “vigorously challenged that claim,” arguing that his actions “were neither authorized by, nor consistent with, established municipal or state policies and procedures.”

“Council supported this position, consistent with its responsibility to safeguard the municipality’s legal and fiduciary interests,” the council said. Because the case settled, a court never decided the question.

The council said the town’s insurance fund had the authority to settle on its own, so the council “neither participated in determining the settlement amount, nor voted to authorize the settlement.”

During the case, the council hired an outside law firm to oversee the town’s legal representation, at a cost of no more than $17,500. The council called that “the only direct expenditure of municipal taxpayer funds associated with the litigation.”

The council has now asked the firm to develop safeguards to limit the town’s liability when elected officials serve in more than one role.

“We believe there must be an absolute and inviolable separation between the responsibilities of elected office and the exercise of law enforcement authority,” the council said.

Freda: ‘I am profoundly sorry’

Freda opened his statement with an apology to Marcou’s family.

“No statement, no settlement, and no passage of time can undo that loss or ease what her family has carried every day since,” he said. “To her loved ones: I am profoundly sorry for your loss.”

He also acknowledged the teenagers involved, saying their lives and their families’ lives “were also drastically impacted that day.” Authorities have said the teens were hired to steal cars.

Freda said he couldn’t speak about the case while it was ongoing.

“I have given my entire adult life to this town — as a volunteer, as a first responder, and as your mayor — because I care deeply about the safety and well-being of the people who live here,” he said.

He said he hired his own personal attorney “at my own expense” and cooperated fully with the investigation. According to Freda, the settlement terms were set by the insurance carriers and a court-appointed mediator, and neither he nor the town had any input.

“I recognize that questions have been raised about my role on the day of the crash,” Freda said. “What I can say is that I acted out of concern for the safety of my community, not out of any disregard for it.”

He said he has always maintained that he “did not act with willful or wanton disregard for anyone’s safety.”

“I have always tried to act in good faith and in the interest of protecting this community, and I accept the responsibility of learning from every difficult experience in public service,” he said.

The settlement

According to the Marcou family’s attorney, Nicholas J. Leonardis, the settlement was paid as follows:

• $3.5 million from the municipality’s insurance fund

• $2.3 million from Freda’s personal auto insurance

• $1.25 million from the Marcou family’s uninsured motorist coverage

• $100,000 from the rescue squad

• $100,000 from the stolen car owner’s insurance

In a June 2024 deposition, Freda said he used the blue light “as the mayor.” He also acknowledged that passing by crossing a double yellow line went against rescue squad and fire department policy. The squad suspended him for 30 days after a civil complaint about his use of the blue light.

Freda has not been charged with any crime or traffic violation.

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