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Molly Watts Says James Ransone Saved Her From 2006 Assault as Tributes Spotlight Suicide Ruling and Family Fund

A former neighbor’s Instagram tribute recounts a 2006 rescue, deepening public remembrances after the medical examiner ruled his death a suicide.

Overview

  • Watts wrote that Ransone rushed to her aid in their Chinatown building in 2006, scaring off an attacker and chasing him to a location that led police to identify a repeat sexual offender.
  • Her post describes being choked unconscious before Ransone arrived carrying a bat or pipe, and it credits him with changing the course of her life.
  • The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed Ransone, 46, died by suicide, with news of his death becoming public in the days that followed.
  • Watts shared a GoFundMe for Ransone’s children and expressed regret that she never thanked him directly; his widow, Jamie McPhee, also posted a tribute.
  • Coverage notes Ransone had spoken about hearing a scream and running to help in a 2016 interview, and he publicly disclosed childhood sexual abuse and struggles with addiction in 2021.