Judge Refuses to Delay Sandy Hook Gun Lawsuit

NEWTOWN, CT- Connecticut State Judge Barbara Bellis denied a motion to delay the discovery process in the lawsuit against gun companies over the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting.

Bellis ruled that the discovery process should begin and that Remington Arms, the parent company of the AR-15 manufacturer would have to hand in internal documents and communications pertinent to the case.

Firearm distributor Camfour Inc. of Massachusetts and Riverview Gun Sales of East Windsor were also named as defendants in the lawsuit. The lawsuit was brought by several family members of shooting victims.

“For almost a year and a half the families have waited patiently," said lawyer Josh Koskoff who is representing the families. "They have waited and watched as the defendants tried every tactic to avoid having to disclose a single document or answer a single question under oath. Now that wait is officially over.”

Related:

• Update: Gun Manufacturer Seeks Dismissal of Sandy Hook Shooting Lawsuit
• Sandy Hook Gun Manufacturer Lawsuit Trial Date Set, 'Discovery' to Start Immediately
• Bernie Sanders Takes Flak for Newtown Gun Lawsuit Stance

The court will hear arguments for a motion to strike the case on June 20. Bellis previously ruled against a motion for dismissal.

The lawsuit filed by law firm Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder argues that the Bushmaster AR-15 rifle shouldn’t have been released to the public and belongs only in the hands of military and law enforcement personnel. The 2012 mass shooting left 20 children and six educators dead.

This case is being watched closely and has been mentioned specifically during the presidential primary season, most notably after Sen. Bernie Sanders took flak for his position that gun manufacturers shouldn't be sued if their legally-obtained products are used in a crime.