HOUSTON — Alex Jones’ Infowars media platform faces imminent shutdown and asset liquidation as part of efforts to address the $1.5 billion in lawsuit judgments against Jones for his claims that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting was a hoax.
Emergency Motion Filed by Trustee
Christopher Murray, the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee overseeing Jones’ personal bankruptcy, filed an emergency motion on Sunday. The motion aims to “conduct an orderly wind-down” of Infowars’ parent company, Free Speech Systems (FSS), and liquidate its inventory. The goal is to pay the substantial judgments owed to the Sandy Hook families.
Halt on Collection Efforts Requested
Murray has also requested U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez to temporarily halt the Sandy Hook families’ collection efforts. Murray argues these efforts could disrupt the liquidation process and potentially diminish the value of assets available for distribution.
Legal Background and Judgments
Jones was ordered to pay $50 million in Texas to Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis, parents of Jesse Lewis, one of the 20 children killed in the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting. Additionally, in a separate Connecticut lawsuit, Jones was ordered to pay over $1.4 billion to other Sandy Hook families for defamation and emotional distress.
Trustee’s Authority and Actions
The trustee’s motion also seeks clarification on his authority over Jones’ bank accounts. During the bankruptcy proceedings, Jones’ ownership rights of FSS were transferred to Murray. This action follows a recent state court order in Texas, which Murray argues would disrupt an orderly liquidation.
Support and Opposition
Christopher Mattei, representing the Connecticut lawsuit families, expressed support for Murray’s motion. He also expressed disappointment over the Texas families’ recent legal actions, suggesting these could undermine equitable asset distribution.
Current Status and Next Steps
Jones’ appeal of the judgments is ongoing in state courts. Despite facing liquidation, Jones has continued his broadcasts and plans to continue through other means, potentially via social media or as an employee under a new ownership structure.
Financial Impact
Jones has about $9 million in personal assets, while FSS has approximately $6 million in cash and $1.2 million in inventory. Despite these assets, the families affected by Jones’ defamatory claims are likely to receive only a fraction of the $1.5 billion owed.
Jones’ legal and financial troubles underscore the significant consequences of his actions and the ongoing efforts to provide some form of redress to the victims of his conspiratorial claims.
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