Princeton Mayor Joined Car Chase That Resulted In Fatal Crash: Lawsuit

PRINCETON, NJ – The family of a South Brunswick woman who died in a 2021 crash has named Princeton Mayor Mark Freda in their lawsuit, alleging the mayor joined the high-speed chase that resulted in the collision.

Jodi Marcou, 61, was killed Nov. 2021, following a head-on collision that happened as authorities were pursuing a teen driver who stole a vehicle from Princeton. The teen, 15-year-old Damajia Jenay Horner, was also killed in the crash.

During the pursuit by Princeton Police, Freda, a 45-year veteran of Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS), activated the blue warning light on his vehicle and joined the pursuit, according to the lawsuit.

According to the lawsuit, Freda’s actions were in direct conflict with the policies and procedures of the municipality, the police department and PFARS.

“Defendant Freda had no formal authority in activating his blue lights and in conducting any form of pursuit or at speed chase of the vehicle Defendant, Horner was operating and was not authorized to conduct such light activation or any form of a speed chase or pursuit,” the lawsuit said.

Freda declined to comment when contacted by Patch. His attorney’s office told Patch they would not be commenting on the matter.

The lawsuit alleges that the “direct and proximate result” of Freda’s pursuit of Horner resulted in her colliding with Marcou’s vehicle. The teen was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee on Princeton-Kingston Road when it crossed the double yellow line and struck Marcou’s car head-on, killing both of them.

Her family had initially filed the lawsuit against Elhajjmalik Diallo, who was accused by authorities of employing the teen to steal cars in Princeton.

On June 21, the family’s attorneys amended the lawsuit to include Freda, the Municipality of Princeton and the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad (PFARS).

Horner's mother and Hanover Insurance are named in the lawsuit, as is the owner of the car stolen by the teen. The suit faults the car owner for negligently leaving the “vehicle unlocked with its key fob inside,” making it easier to steal.

Marcou’s family is seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, medical expenses and other relief.

Marcou was an employee at Rutgers University, where she worked as a Development Specialist. Born in Queens, New York, Marcou moved to South Brunswick 24 years before her death.

According to her obituary, she loved to meditate, play cards and Mahjong, and her favorite activities included hiking with her husband and walking with friends. She served on the South Brunswick Human Relations Commission as a member and Vice-Chair for many years.

Last year, a bench in Veterans Park was dedicated in her memory.

What Does NJ Law Say About Car Pursuit?

In New Jersey, till 2021, car pursuits were limited, allowing officials to engage in them only as a last resort, “to prevent imminent death or serious injury.”

This policy was updated in April 2022, allowing police to engage in a car chase for six new crimes including "theft of a motor vehicle“ and “burglary of a dwelling.”

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com