Insight

IN PARTNERSHIP

Securing Justice in the Aftermath of Tragedy

Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder has always fought for truth. In 2022, the firm exposed how an infamous opportunist weaponized lies and misinformation at the expense of families still grieving those taken in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. After several years in and out of the courtroom, the firm’s advocacy resulted a historic $1.4 billion verdict in Connecticut's Superior Court.

Group of suited lawyers gather for a picture
JS

Justin Smulison

April 11, 2023 12:00 AM

December 2022 marked 10 years since the horrific mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in 2012. That unfathomable tragedy–in which 20 six-and seven-year-old children and six adult school staff members were killed by a lone gunman–devastated the quiet New England community and the entire nation.

As the grieving families began the lifelong healing process, they were further pained when Infowars owner and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones falsely and repeatedly claimed on his broadcasts that the shooting was a hoax and that the victims were actors in a plot to destroy gun rights in the U.S.

“The families endured awful harassment that started on Infowars and permeated their lives,” says Christopher Mattei of the law firm Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder (Koskoff). Located just 20 miles away from Newtown, Koskoff had roots in the community and represented many of the plaintiffs in a liability suit against the manufacturer of the weapon used in the shooting.

Fifteen individuals targeted by Jones’ remarks (including one FBI agent whom Jones had accused of being an actor) had endured enough of the broadcasted lies and harassment, and in 2018, Koskoff lawyers Christopher Mattei, Josh Koskoff, Alinor Sterling and Matt Blumenthal led the charge in the defamation suit against the infamous conspiracy theorist.

“Due to Alex Jones’ lies,” Mattei notes, “Infowars listeners were tormenting surviving family members in-person and online—with some being called ‘liars and frauds,’ while others received threats of death and rape. There was no way we could let this continue and were determined to stop it at the source.”

Despite the severity of the charges, Jones continued to use Infowars as a platform to antagonize the Koskoff team and the plaintiffs. On one installment of his show, Jones referred to Mattei and announced a $1 million bounty for his “head on a pike.” A former Assistant United States Attorney, Mattei had tried high-profile cases in the past that received national media attention—but suddenly found himself targeted by the defendant and his hostile audience.

“[Jones] had done similar things in the past and we knew it could have real-life repercussions,” says Mattei, who has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs since 2020. “It concerned my family a bit and our firm’s staff who are amazing but not accustomed to being in the middle of controversy. It was very upsetting and disturbing for them.”

Jones was sanctioned by the court for the statement and lost his special motion to dismiss, which he appealed to the Connecticut Supreme Court and also lost. Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis cited inappropriate conduct by Jones’ attorneys regarding depositions and the “callous disregard of their obligation” to turn over financial and web analytics data.

Though Jones eventually conceded that the shooting was not a hoax in a separate trial in Texas, he displayed courtroom antics in Connecticut that transcended typical legal maneuvers. Most notably, he referred to Judge Bellis as a “tyrant” and unsuccessfully tried to remove her from presiding over the case. Following additional over-the-top stall tactics by Jones’ lawyers in court, Judge Bellis issued a default in the lawsuits, one of the harshest sanctions possible.

Infowars listeners were tormenting surviving family members in-person and online—with some being called ‘liars and frauds,’ while others received threats of death and rape.”

With Jones’ inability to win established, the trial in Connecticut Superior Court commenced in Fall 2022 to determine damages. Throughout the hearings, Koskoff’s trial team stood in the unenviable position of questioning the uncooperative and oftentimes combative defendant. Their poise, professionalism and ability to remain on point clearly convinced the jury of the harm Jones had caused.

On October 12, 2022, the jury awarded a historic $965 million in defamation and emotional distress damages to be paid by Jones and his company, Free Speech Systems (parent company of Infowars).

“Once the testimony came out at trial, it was a revelation to the world about both what these families had gone through, and also just how endangered their lives had become,” Mattei notes. “Some had to move and others were being confronted in person and intimidated by Jones’ audience. These lies deprived the families of their ability to grieve properly and unleashed a decade of fear and abuse that compounded their unimaginable loss.”

In November 2022, Judge Bellis also temporarily blocked Jones from transferring or moving assets out of the U.S. at the request of the plaintiffs who claimed Jones would attempt to avoid payment. Just one week later, the judge ordered Jones and Free Speech Systems to pay an additional $473 million in punitive damages to eight of the plaintiff families as well as the FBI agent.

Though Free Speech Systems had already filed a bankruptcy claim in August 2022 and Jones later filed for Chapter 11 personal bankruptcy protection in Texas in December, the filing noted that the estimated worth of Jones’ assets was between $1 and $10 million, with liabilities between $1 and $10 billion. Koskoff has aligned with a bankruptcy firm in Texas to ensure that justice is carried out and that Jones does not avoid compensating the plaintiffs.

“The results will stay on everyone’s minds,” Mattei says. “Every time Alex Jones’ name is mentioned, so will be the verdicts and the damages. We showed in court that there are real consequences for projecting lies and misinformation and our case hopefully helps society-at-large understand the threats and risks that misinformation poses. I hope it stands out as an inflection point for how we deal with this in the future.”

Headline Image: Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, PC

Related Articles

Connecticut’s “Clean Slate” Act Could Bolster State Workforce


by Gregory Sirico

Best Lawyers weighs in on Connecticut's newly enacted Clean Slate Act and how it's changing the state's employment landscape.

Suited man ascending staircase to overexposed exit

"Lawyer of the Year"


Suited woman with dark hair smiling

Virginia E. McGarrity

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Hartford, CT

2023

History Eraser


by Gregory Sirico

Penguin Random House and several other major book publishing houses filed litigation against Florida education leaders who recently passed a book ban law.

Penguin logo in front of black and white books

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer in suit smiles for professional headshot

Kevin M. Levy

Technology Law

Miami, FL

2025

Misinformation Age


by Gregory Sirico

As AI weaponizes lies, can global law, corporate business practices and legal associates adapt to the growing threat?

Animated hands shifting sides of a message cube

Scarlett Law Group: Mastering TBI Trial Law


by Justin Smulison

Randall H. Scarlett shares successes in traumatic brain injury cases, fueling Scarlett Law Group's growth across Northern California with specialized insights.

Two lawyers, suited, standing in front of law firm sign

"Lawyer of the Year"


Man in suit and tie smiling for professional headshot

Dylan D. Rudolph

Litigation - ERISA

San Francisco, CA

2025

One of the Greatest Ever...


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid, a top catastrophic injury lawyer, has secured over 300 verdicts of $1M+ and has been recognized as "Lawyer of the Year" multiple times in Tampa.

Lawyer in blue suit poses in office for headshot

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer poses for professional firm headshot

Mindi M. Richter

Copyright Law

Tampa, FL

2025

IN PARTNERSHIP

Georgia Car Accident: How to File a Car Accident Case


by Robert Hammers

In a car accident in Georgia? Read this guide for key steps from actions at the scene to settlement talks and lawsuit filing. Stay informed and prepared.

Figure with clipboard assesses the scene of an accident

How a New Maryland Bike Safety Law Honors a Client’s Legacy


by Justin Smulison

Four-time Lawyer Of The Year Patrick Regan discusses how a client’s bicycling tragedy led to a result that improved Maryland traffic law to protect riders.

Group of lawyers posing for a photo

New SAFE Act Aims to Tackle Rising Crime in DC


by Gregory Sirico

As DC grapples with skyrocketing crime rates, the Secure Apartments for Everyone Regulation Amendment Act seeks to implement actionable change

Security cameras affixed to animated building

"Lawyer of the Year"


Lawyer wearing glasses and suit smiles in headshot photo

Duane C. Pozza

Advertising Law

Washington, D.C., DC

2025

IN PARTNERSHIP

Three Steps To Maximizing Compensation After a Columbus Car Accident


by Jonathan Mani

Car accidents could result in costly medical bills and significant pain and suffering. To ensure you're compensated, contact a car accident attorney now.

Toy car laying upside down on pile of money

IN PARTNERSHIP

Immigration Pathways in the United States


by Versfeld & Hugo

Leon Versfeld knows firsthand how challenging obtaining a visa can be. Whether your path to residency involves investments, employment or athletic accolades, Versfeld & Hugo will guide you through every step.

Immigration Pathways in the United States

IN PARTNERSHIP

Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey: Compassionate Service and Relentless Representation


by Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey

The attorneys at Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey, LLC are here to help you navigate your criminal case in South Carolina, specializing in DUIs, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Homicide and Expungement.

Bannister, Wyatt & Stalvey: Compassionate and Relentless

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Is Premises Liability the Same as Negligence?


by Jeremy Wilson and Taylor Rodney Marks

In today's age, we are always on the move, often inhabiting spaces we don't own. But what happens when someone else's property injures you or someone you know?

A pair of silhouetted legs falling down a hole with yellow background

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background