Texas Heiress Ordered to Pay Billions for Child’s Death
A Texas oil heiress has been mandated to pay a staggering $1.1 billion to the family of a young boy who was tragically beaten to death, leaving behind significant injuries that necessitate round-the-clock care.
Charles Brooks Jr. is facing a hefty financial penalty following a jury’s decision that favored his ex-wife, Madison Ball, and their son, Stephen Sampson, who suffered severe brain damage from the assault by the now 34-year-old Brooks. The Buzbee Law Firm, representing the victims, announced the verdict recently.
Brooks, a descendant of Percy Turner, the founder of Humble Oil, is currently serving a 40-year sentence in a Texas prison. This follows a brutal incident where he attacked his son-in-law while babysitting, as his wife was at work.
The award includes $291 million in compensatory damages and $810 million in punitive damages, according to court documents.
The 7-year-old boy will receive $800 million as part of the settlement, while his parents will each get $5 million.
This verdict marks the highest amount awarded in a U.S. child assault case.
In the civil suit initiated by Ball on behalf of her son, Brooks was entrusted with overseeing her then-2-year-old on April 22, 2021, during her work hours.
A few hours later, Brooks called Ball, claiming that the child had become “unresponsive” after a fall from a kitchen table at Brooks’ grandmother’s house in Dallas.
During their frantic conversation, Ball requested to see her child via FaceTime, where she witnessed him “barely breathing.” Alarmingly, her husband disregarded her urgent pleas to call emergency services, as indicated in court records.
Brooks attempted to minimize the boy’s injuries, suggesting he would “let him sleep and heal,” even claiming the child had been put in an ice bath to recover.
Moreover, he issued threats to Ball, saying he would “kick her head” and “kill her” if she contacted 911. Nevertheless, Ball chose to call for help.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found the child severely injured, unresponsive, and bearing adult bite marks on his legs.
Medical records indicated the child suffered from multiple severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury and chronic respiratory failure, along with other critical conditions.
The child’s future now demands continuous care, as he is bedridden and unable to walk, reliant on a ventilator for survival due to the extent of his injuries.
“His life is now a mere shadow of what it could have been. Because of Brooks’ horrifying actions, he will never grow up into the strong, healthy boy he should have become,” stated the initial court petition.
The lengthy legal struggle concluded with the jury’s verdict, which resonated strongly with advocates for child protection.
“We claim to prioritize children, and this Texas jury demonstrated that. Don’t mess with Texas’ children,” remarked attorney Tony Buzbee. “We hope this sentence allows the child to receive adequate care and lead the best life possible under the circumstances.”
Ball and her legal team highlighted Brooks’ criminal history, which includes prior arrests for theft, robbery, and drug-related offenses.
After nearly killing the boy, Brooks was released on bail but subsequently cut off his ankle monitor and attempted to flee, only to be located at a sports bar in south Texas.
He is presently incarcerated in San Saba County Jail, scheduled for parole in 2042, with his projected release set for January 30, 2062, making him 70 years old at that time.
