A federal judge has blocked the collection of a $50 million award for Sandy Hook parents from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. The ruling complicates efforts to hold Jones accountable for his false claims about the tragedy. As legal battles continue, the fight for justice remains in a state of limbo.
Judge Halts Sandy Hook Parents’ Collection Effort
A federal judge halted the parents of a Sandy Hook victim from collecting $50 million awarded in a lawsuit against Alex Jones. The judge ruled their collection effort conflicts with federal bankruptcy law.
State Order Overturned by Bankruptcy Judge
Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin had secured a state order to collect assets from Jones’ company. However, the federal judge’s decision now takes precedence, blocking their efforts.
Bankruptcy Judge Asserts Federal Law Supremacy
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez emphasized the supremacy of federal bankruptcy law over the state ruling. He appointed a trustee to oversee Jones’ asset liquidation.
Trustee to Oversee Asset Liquidation
Christopher Murray, the appointed trustee, will manage the liquidation of Jones’ assets. His role includes selling off assets and distributing proceeds to all creditors, including other Sandy Hook victims.
Infowars Faces Shutdown
Murray intends to shut down Infowars, Jones’ multimillion-dollar business. The company has thrived by selling various merchandise for over two decades.
Jones’ Financial Status Revealed
Recent court filings show Jones holds about $9 million in personal assets. His company, Free Speech Systems, has $6 million in cash and $1.2 million in inventory.
No Immediate Response from Jones’ Legal Team
Jones’ bankruptcy lawyers did not respond to requests for comments. On his show, Jones claimed he would restart his broadcasts on a new platform if Infowars shuts down.
Motion to Halt Collection Efforts Filed
Murray requested Judge Lopez halt Lewis and Heslin’s collection efforts, citing interference with the liquidation process. This motion aimed to ensure a smooth shutdown of Jones’ company.
Free Speech Systems filed for bankruptcy reorganization during the trial that awarded Lewis and Heslin $50 million. Jones later filed for personal bankruptcy after a similar Connecticut lawsuit.
Conversion to Liquidation
On June 14, Lopez converted Jones’ personal bankruptcy to liquidation, allowing asset sales to pay creditors. The same day, he dismissed Free Speech Systems’ bankruptcy due to a lack of agreement.
The bankruptcy filings automatically froze collection efforts by Sandy Hook families. Lawyers for Lewis and Heslin argued the dismissal should allow them to resume collections in Texas.
Frustration Over Legal Limbo
Mark Bankston, representing Lewis and Heslin, expressed frustration over the continued legal limbo. The case remains unresolved, benefiting Jones while leaving the families in uncertainty.
Lewis and Heslin disagreed with Connecticut relatives over handling Jones’ bankruptcies. Connecticut plaintiffs feared a “race” for assets and supported the trustee’s motion to halt Texas collections.
Connecticut Families’ Perspective
Connecticut families sought a fair distribution of Free Speech Systems’ assets. The decision to halt Texas collections was seen as a step towards equitable asset distribution.
The Newtown shooting claimed 26 lives, including 20 first graders. Not all victims’ families sued Jones, but those who did faced harassment from his followers.
Harassment and Threats
Families testified about harassment and threats from Jones’ supporters. One parent reported threats to exhume his child’s grave. Jones is appealing the state court judgments, asserting his belief in the shooting’s reality but defending his free speech rights.
