NEWTOWN, Conn. — As we approach 11 years since the Sandy Hook school massacre, a woman who lost her mother is now living a new nightmare.
Erica Lafferty is the daughter of Dawn Hocksprung, the Principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School who was gunned down in 2012. Her mother’s memory has always given her strength and now she needs it more than ever, as she battles a rare brain tumor.
It was just over a year ago when Erica Lafferty took the stand during the Alex Jones defamation trial.
“That trial took the life out of me,” said Lafferty.
The summary judgment awarded Sandy Hook families a $1.5 billion windfall. Erica’s share is $111 million. But she hasn’t seen a penny of it as Jones declared bankruptcy.
“That man has made a career out of torturing me and families like mine,” said Lafferty.
Now a new enemy has been found, not in the courtroom, but in her brain.
“Finding out that I had cancer was, I would say, the scariest thing that I have been through since my mom was murdered,” said Lafferty.
Erica said it was her mother who told her how strong she was. She believes her now. Her 38-year life has been filled with personal tragedy.
“My baby brother died in August which rocked me to my core,” said Lafferty.
Erica’s cancer treatments cost $47,000 a month. Insurance won’t cover it so it's all out of pocket. Donations will get her through December.
“They asked if I wanted to have the conversation about what my life would look like if I needed to come off this particular medication and I don’t think I’m in a place where I can know that. Not in this season coming up to the anniversary of my mom’s murder coming up to Christmas where I need to be present and happy for my family,” said Lafferty.
Erica was also just diagnosed with pneumonia on Thursday. She said it brings her no joy to have to ask for donations, but it really could save her life so she’s collecting generosity on her GoFundMe.
But will Erica ever see any money from Alex Jones, who was found liable for defamation for claiming the Sandy Hook massacre was a hoax and the parents were actors? Jones declared bankruptcy and is accused of squirreling his fortune away from creditors.
Jones’ Attorney Norm Pattis told FOX61, “I think everyone is beginning to realize that there’s no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.”
Attorney Chris Mattei, who represents the Sandy Hook families, has offered to settle the case if Jones agrees to pay just $8.5 million over the next 10 years.
“Alex Jones needs to be held accountable for his actions. He cannot use the bankruptcy process – or any other legal process – to evade accountability to the families,” said Mattei.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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