In Austin, Texas, Father of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victim, 6, testified Tuesday that conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has made his life a “living hell” by spreading conspiracy theories that the deaths were staged to increase gun regulation.
Neil Heslin testified for more than an hour that he had been subjected to internet abuse, anonymous phone calls, and street harassment.
She added: “What was said in regards to me and Sandy Hook reverberates around the world.” “As time passed, I came to see just how deadly this was…. Threats have been made to my life. I’m afraid for my life and for my well-being at this moment.”
According to Heslin, his house and car have been targeted for shootings, and his attorneys stated Monday that the family had a “encounter” in Austin after the trial began there and that they have since been placed in seclusion under tight protection.
Jones and his media business Free Speech Systems have been sued by the parents of 6-year-old Jesse Lewis, who say they have been harassed and threatened by Jones and his Infowars website for years. Jones said that the 2012 Connecticut school shooting that killed 20 first-graders and six school staff members was either a hoax or a fabrication.
They’re suing for at least $150 million in damages.
“For me, today is a big day. It has been a long time since I’ve had to confront Alex Jones about what he said and did to me. To restore my son’s honor and legacy, I’ll do whatever it takes “Heslin commented.
The Sandy Hook hoax hypothesis may or may not have started with Jones, according to Heslin, but Jones’ internet platform and transmission to millions across the world “lit the match and started the fire,” according to Heslin.
Heslin described to the jury how he held his baby with a bullet wound in his head, even going so far as to describe the extent of his son’s injuries. Infowars claimed in a 2017 show that Heslin never held his son’s body.
He indicated that an apology from Jones would not enough at this stage.
Heslin asserted, “Alex initiated this fight, and I’ll finish this one.”
Because of this, Jones’ father dubbed his absence from court during Heslin’s evidence as “cowardly.” Throughout the two-week trial, Jones has largely avoided testifying and has been accompanied by a phalanx of bodyguards. Last day of testimony was Tuesday and Jones was slated to be the final witness for his defense.
Also on Tuesday, Scarlett Lewis was asked to testify. In her testimony, she focused a lot of her attention on Jones, who had just entered the room.
Lewis stated, “I know you are a father first and foremost.” “He (my son) was real. That, I’m sure, you’re well aware of.”
Lewis questioned Jones, “Do you believe I’m an actor?” at one point in the film.
Asked if Jones was an actor, Jones replied, “I don’t think so,” before the judge told him to be quiet until his turn to speak.
After meeting with them, forensic psychologist who analyzed their cases said that both Heslin and Lewis suffer from a persistent form of post-traumatic stress disorder, comparable to that experienced by troops in combat zones or child abuse victims.
Jones argues that the case is an infringement of his First Amendment rights because it was filed in the first place.
On the line is how much money Jones will have to pay. If the jury decides in favor of the parents, they want $150 million in damages for defamation and emotional suffering. A decision on punitive damages will be made by the jury at this point.
Jones has a slew of trials ahead of him.
Defamation lawsuits have already been filed against Jones for his claims that the Sandy Hook shooting was a fabrication in Texas and Connecticut. Jones was found guilty by default in both states after he refused to comply with court orders and turn over relevant papers.
Jones has already taken steps to ensure the financial stability of Free Speech Systems. Last week, the corporation sought bankruptcy protection from the federal government. The relatives of Sandy Hook have filed separate lawsuits against Jones over his financial claims, saying that the company is trying to shield millions of dollars owned by Jones and his family through shell corporations.