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Second Suspect Charged With Murder In Connection To Death Of Det. Brian Simonsen

What We Know:

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Authorities on Saturday charged a second man with murder in connection to the friendly fire death of NYPD Detective Brian Simonsen.

25-year-old Jagger Freeman, of Queens, is suspected of being a lookout - or an accomplice - to 27-year-old Christopher Ransom.

Jagger Freeman
Detectives leading a handcuffed Jagger Freeman, 25, from the 107th Precinct in Flushing. (credit: CBS2)

Ransom allegedly pointed a fake gun at officers while robbing a T-mobile store on 120th Street and Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill Tuesday night. Police fired 42 shots at the career criminal however, Simonsen was hit once in the chest by friendly fire and pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital.

Seargeant Matthew Gorman was also shot in the leg and is recovering.

Police sources say Freeman is not believed to have entered the T-mobile store during the robbery. Ransom - who had over 20 prior arrests before Tuesday's deadly encounter - was reportedly struck eight times by NYPD gunfire. He had a bedside arraignment from the hospital where a judge ordered that he be held without bail.

Freeman was charged with murder, robbery, assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Meanwhile, a growing memorial has been set outside the 102nd Precinct where Simonsen served during the entirety of his 19-year career. Visitors Saturday included firefighters from Engine 285 Ladder 142 and a contingent with representatives from New York State Police, Bridge and Tunnel Officers, and the National Guard. Religious leaders also made an appearance, including Reverend Christopher Heanue of the nearby Holy Child Jesus Church.

"Just to let them know of our solidarity and our care and concern," he said.

Simonsen's wake is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, with his funeral set for Wednesday.

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