Sponsor: Board of Commissioners
Title
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Settlement Agreement in Simpson v. Joyful Homes, et al. (Court File no. 62-CV-22-2942)
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the settlement agreement Simpson v. Joyful Homes, et al., (Court File no. 62-CV-22-2942), totaling $75,000.
2. Authorize Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the settlement agreement.
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Background and Rationale
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On February 26, 2020, Terrion Sherman murdered his girlfriend, Abigail Simpson. At the time of the murder, Mr. Sherman was under a civil commitment order, but provisionally discharged to the community after being involuntarily committed to St. Peter, a psychiatric hospital for approximately six months.
Ramsey County, through its Adult Mental Health-Targeted Case Management division provided Mr. Sherman with case management services under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 253B. The lawsuit, brought by Abigail Simpson’s parents alleges that the murder of Ms. Simpson was caused, in part, by Ramsey County’s negligence in discharging its duties as Mr. Sherman’s case manager.
The parties reached an agreement in mediation, subject to Ramsey County Board approval. On August 6, 2024, the Ramsey County Board met in closed session to receive information and advice from the County Attorney’s office related to the case and the settlement.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no direct racial equity impact related to this request for board action.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There is no community participation associated with this request for board action.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Ramsey County is self-insured; the settlement will be paid out of the county’s tort liability fund.
Last Previous Action
On August 6, 2024, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners met in a closed session to receive information and advice from the County Attorney’s Office related to the case and the settlement (Resolution B2024-154).
Attachments
1. Settlement Agreement