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Texas Oil Heir Ordered to Pay $1.1 Billion for Assault

3/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A jury ordered Charles Brooks Jr., Texas oil heir, to pay $1.1 billion to Stephen Sampson, Madison Ball's stepson.
The payout includes $800 million for Stephen Sampson and $5 million for each of his parents.
The ruling follows Brooks' April 2021 assault on the 2-year-old, leaving him with brain injuries and requiring 24-hour care.
Brooks is serving a 40-year sentence for aggravated assault and threatened Ball when she called 911.

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Story summary

A jury ordered Charles Brooks Jr., Texas oil heir, to pay $1.1 billion to Stephen Sampson, Madison Ball's stepson.
The payout includes $800 million for Stephen Sampson and $5 million for each of his parents.
The ruling follows Brooks' April 2021 assault on the 2-year-old, leaving him with brain injuries and requiring 24-hour care.
Brooks is serving a 40-year sentence for aggravated assault and threatened Ball when she called 911.