Loading ...Former Motivational Speaker Found Guilty in Shooting
Isanti resident Russell James Simon, Jr. was convicted of a series of felonies in Isanti County Court, Tuesday.
The former motivational speaker is guilty of attempted murder without premeditation in the 2nd degree of the female victim, felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon in the 2nd degree. Simon faced nine charges in a May 15th arrest.
The initial report filed by the Isanti County Attorney states that Simon and a friend who he met in jail, Todd Raymond Paulson, 42, got into a fight at an Isanti home after drinking earlier in the night. Following the disagreement Simon began shooting at Paulson, and a 46-year-old woman. A nine year-old-boy was reportedly in the residence as well. Police forced entry and arrested Simon without incident after an unsuccessful hostage negotiation.
Simon has prior felony convictions for assault in the second degree. He is expected to be sentenced in late October or November.
Simon’s website is russellsimon.com