Jury selected for Alex Jones’ Sandy Hook defamation trial

By JIM VERTUNO
Associated Press

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is set to face a defamation trial over his false comments that the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre was a hoax. A jury was selected Monday in Austin, Texas. Courts have already found the Infowars host liable for his portrayal of the Newtown, Connecticut, shooting that killed 20 first graders and six educators as a hoax involving actors. At stake for Jones is another potentially major financial blow that could put his constellation of conspiracy peddling businesses into deeper jeopardy. Family members of the shooting victims and Jones were not in the courtroom Monday. Jones’ attorney, Andino Reynal, said his client has a “medical issue,” though he didn’t elaborate. Opening statements are set for Tuesday.