# About fucking time. The Sandy Hook families are suing Alex Jones for defamation **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 18, 2018, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612 "2018-04-18T03:05:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/61 "2022-08-06T17:53:24Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > So, do the two posts prior to mine mean that he’s actually on the hook for that total? There will probably be a lot of appeals. It will be years before they see a dime. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/62 "2022-08-06T18:43:07Z")
nm, can’t find a cite to back up my question. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2022, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/63 "2022-08-06T18:51:27Z")
The Simpson case is different since he is not involved with a company worth $200m. I have never seen Infowars but believe they knew what they were doing. Jones will try to avoid payment but is unlikely to succeed. One can get some insight into early Jones from the highly entertaining book _Them!_ by Ronson, which I highly recommend. The story about Ronson and Jones crashing an exclusive meeting of political elites remains one of the most bizarre things I have read. There is nobility in alleviating or minimizing the suffering of other people, and the opposite is also true. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/64 "2022-08-07T14:38:47Z")
In Texas, **there are statutory limits on punitive damages** , with a per-defendant cap of two times the amount of economic damages, plus the amount of noneconomic damages found by the jury—the latter part not to exceed $750,000. - Bloomberg Law So, 8.75 Million is the most under the statute? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/65 "2022-08-07T17:36:19Z")
I don’t believe there is a limit on punitive damages in Connecticut and he’s also being sued there, I think by a different family. So here’s hoping he ends up living in a cardboard box. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/66 "2022-08-07T17:40:39Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I don’t believe there is a limit on punitive damages in Connecticut and he’s also being sued there, I think by a different family. So here’s hoping he ends up living in a cardboard box. - That’s not fair punishing some poor, innocent box like that. ---
**Author:** ![Riemann](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riemann/32/3133_2.png) [@Riemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riemann)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/67 "2022-08-07T17:40:48Z")
> [@MikeF](#): > > In Texas, **there are statutory limits on punitive damages** If that’s the case, is there a technical reason that they were obliged to sue him in Texas? Obviously he’s based there, but the show is broadcast nationally. ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/68 "2022-08-07T18:10:53Z")
I’d prefer a jail cell. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/69 "2022-08-07T18:42:01Z")
Fun fact: there is actually a large number of people who voluntarily listen to this rasping malignancy for hours at a time. And send him money! I think Marty really fucked up this timeline. ---
**Author:** ![Asuka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/dec6dc/32.png) [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/70 "2022-08-07T18:59:34Z")
People forget Alex Jones used to actually be respected by people on the far left in the 00s for being vehemently Iraq War and PATRIOT Act and others. He was very much a true anti-authority libertarian in those days, you can even find quotes of Michael Moore complimenting him for his anti-Bush stuff. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/71 "2022-08-07T19:14:47Z")
Don’t judgements like this also apply to the defendant’s future earnings, so he couldn’t get out of it via bankruptcy? ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_MB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steve_mb/32/5339_2.png) [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2022, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/72 "2022-08-07T19:16:24Z")
> [@Zyada](#): > > I’d prefer a jail cell. Given that the whole text-message kerfluffle looks like an open-and-shut case of perjury, you may get your wish. ---
**Author:** ![ekedolphin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ekedolphin/32/10003_2.png) [@ekedolphin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ekedolphin)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2022, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/73 "2022-08-08T01:29:46Z")
> [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](#): > > Fun fact: there is actually a large number of people who voluntarily listen to this rasping malignancy for hours at a time. Ugh, my landlord refers to him by his first name. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2022, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/74 "2022-08-08T01:38:51Z")
> [@Asuka](#): > > People forget Alex Jones used to actually be respected by people on the far left in the 00s for being vehemently Iraq War and PATRIOT Act and others. Are many people saying? ---
**Author:** ![Lance\_Turbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lance_turbo/32/6156_2.png) [@Lance\_Turbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lance_Turbo)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2022, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/75 "2022-10-12T19:51:05Z")
Verdict for damages is in and they are staggering. > This is some real boo hoo cry time for me. So sad. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2022, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/76 "2022-10-12T19:55:31Z")
Connecticut trial, the jurors find that jones/free speech systems should pay: 969 million in damages, with various amounts given to the 15 plaintiffs. most of them in the 30 ish million range each. the first plaintiff was awarded 120 million, that was the highest amount. all attorney fees to be paid by alex jones, in addition to the damages. ---
**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2022, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/77 "2022-10-12T20:03:08Z")
From CNN: > **[Connecticut jury awards nearly $1 billion to Sandy Hook families in Alex...](https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/alex-jones-sandy-hook-trial-decision/index.html)** > > A jury has decided conspiracy theorist Alex Jones should pay nearly $1 billion in damages to Sandy Hook families for his lies about the school massacre. Follow here for the latest. I watched the reading of the verdict on CNN. Some of the parents/plaintiffs were quite emotional. A commentator on CNN, just a few minutes ago, said that they are going to have a hard time collecting, mainly because Jones likely doesn’t have $969 million on hand. But having done legal collections myself (IAAL), I’m pretty sure that they’ll have a claim on Jones’ current assets and future earnings. ---
**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2022, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/78 "2022-10-12T20:15:54Z")
Doesn’t Texas protect residents’ homes and some other assets (like retirement accounts and annuities and some other stuff) from collection? I read somewhere that this is why OJ Simpson moved to Florida because the state protects a lot of his assets from collection. ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2022, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/79 "2022-10-12T20:23:16Z")
Is the $969 million just compensatory damages, or does it include punitive as well? ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 12, 2022, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612/80 "2022-10-12T20:38:34Z")
There’s a breakdown of the compensatory damages awarded, by plaintiff, in **[the linked CNN article](https://www.cnn.com/business/live-news/alex-jones-sandy-hook-trial-decision/index.html)** above. ETA: But I’m just adding it here … because it makes me happy: > [@](#): > > The jury awarded $965 million in compensatory damages to Sandy Hook families and an FBI agent who sued conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. > > Here is the breakdown of what the jury said each plaintiff should receive: > > - **Robert Parker** , father of 6-year-old Emilie Parker: **$120,000,000** > - **William Sherlach** , husband of 56-year-old school employee Mary Sherlach: **$36,000,000** > - **David Wheeler,** father of 6-year-old Ben Wheeler: **$55,000,000** > - **Francine Wheeler,** mother of 6-year-old Ben Wheeler: **$54,000,000** > - **Jacqueline Barden,** mother of 7-year-old Daniel Barden: **$28,800,000** > - **Mark Barden,** father of 7-year-old Daniel Barden: **$57,600,000** > - **Nicole Hockley,** mother of 6-year-old Dylan Hockley: **$73,600,000** > - **Ian Hockley,** father of 6-year-old Dylan Hockley: **$81,600,000** > - **Jennifer Hensel,** for the estate of Jeremy Richman and father who died by suicide of 6-year-old Avielle Richman: **$52,000,000** > - **Donna Soto,** mother of teacher Victoria Soto: **$48,000,000** > - **Carlee Soto-Parisi,** sister of teacher Victoria Soto: **$66,000,000** > - **Carlos Matthew Soto,** brother of teacher Victoria Soto: **$57,600,000** > - **Jillian Soto-Marino,** sister of teacher Victoria Soto: **$68,800,000** > - **William Aldenberg,** FBI agent and first responder: **$90,000,000** > - **Erica Lafferty/trustee Richard M. Coan,** daughter of school principal Dawn Hochsprung: **$76,000,000** [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-fucking-time-the-sandy-hook-families-are-suing-alex-jones-for-defamation/812612.md?page=5)