Jones to return to CT as Sandy Hook defamation trial enters final phase
WATERBURY — The sudden and unexpected way Alex Jones left Connecticut after a volatile day of testimony last week does not mean that the jury of six has seen of the last of the Texas-based broadcaster who defamed eight Sandy Hook families.
On the contrary, the jury whose job it is to decide how much in defamation damages Jones has to pay the families and an FBI agent who responded to the 2012 massacre of 20 first graders and six educators will see Jones for a second time on the witness stand later in the week, according to his attorney.
At stake as the trial enters its third week is the culmination of a four-year battle between the face of American conspiracy culture and the face of American gun violence survivors.
Although there is no question that Jones defamed the families — he was found liable by default in 2021 — and although the Connecticut trial is following the trajectory of a shorter and less complicated trial in Texas where the parents of a slain Sandy Hook boy who Jones defamed were awarded $49 million in August, there remains a palpable sense among courtroom observers of not knowing what to expect next.
The plan beginning Tuesday is for the families’ attorneys to present expert witnesses about Jones’ audience reach and finances. Jones himself could take the stand again on Wednesday or Thursday, according to Jones’ high-profile defense attorney Norm Pattis.
But that’s if nothing unexpected happens. As last week showed, Jones can make headlines whether he’s outside on the courthouse
steps holding hourlong press conferences about matters he’s barred from discussing in court — or whether Jones is on the witness stand arguing with the families’ lead attorney as he did during a livestreamed outburst on Thursday.
“You’re just ambulance chasing,” an agitated Jones said from the witness stand during a heated exchange that started when the families’ lead attorney Chris Mattei accused Jones of “putting a target on the back of every single parent and loved one sitting here.”
“I’ve already said I’m sorry one hundred times and am done saying sorry,” Jones said. “I legitimately thought (the Sandy Hook massacre) might have been staged and I stand by that, and I don’t apologize for it.”
“And don’t apologize, Mr. Jones,” Mattei responded in a raised voice, as the mother of a slain Sandy Hook girl in the gallery wiped tears from her eyes. “Please don’t apologize.”
Observers who were expecting to hear how Jones answered friendlier questions from his lawyer on Friday were surprised that Jones flew home to Texas after giving a morning press conference. Jones’ departure also surprised the families’ attorneys, who then asked the judge to adjourn court for the day.
How long testimony lasts before jurors convene to decide how much in compensation and punitive damages Jones must pay remains to be seen, although attorneys expect to deliver their closing arguments late next week.