Last man wanted in connection with Simonds murder captured

An Akwesasne man wanted in connection with the robbery and murder of 31-year-old Daniel Simonds last year has been arrested and remains in custody. Derek Cook, 29 of Racquette Point, Akwesasne had been on the run since July of 2008 when federal officials issued an indictment that named him and several others for their alleged roles in the incident.

Cook and six other men are accused of plotting to rob Simonds of marijuana and money at his Stockholm, NY home on May 13, 2008. At some point during the alleged robbery, Simonds received one gunshot wound to the abdomen. He died later that day at a Burlington hospital.

Simonds’ girlfriend and at least one child were home at the time. Several men were seen fleeing in dark colored Sport Utility Vehicles.

Cook has plead not guilty to the robbery and drug-related charges he faces.