PORTLAND, Ore. — An Oregon man has been arrested once again for repeatedly stalking the father of a child killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, reigniting concerns about harassment targeting victims’ families.
Long History of Harassment
According to court documents, Kevin Purfield—described as a “conspiracy theorist who seeks out and terrorizes families who have lost children in mass shootings”—has allegedly stalked the same victim since 2013. The man, who lost his child in the Sandy Hook tragedy, now works at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, where Purfield reportedly directed his harassment in recent weeks.
Documents show that on October 24, Purfield called an OHSU employee to confirm the victim’s employment and allegedly said the man would “get what was coming to him.”
Despite being served with a permanent exclusion from OHSU on November 10 and a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on November 25, Purfield continued contacting the hospital.
Disturbing Behavior at OHSU
Minutes after being served with the TRO, Purfield reportedly called an OHSU extension again, acknowledging the order but claiming that the victim’s daughter “was never killed” and calling the father derogatory names.
Later that day, court documents reveal Purfield called the hospital again, referencing OHSU’s police chief and mentioning the address and view from the deck of Dr. Brian Druker, president of OHSU’s Cancer Institute.
Authorities arrested Purfield that evening at his Portland apartment. He is now facing one count of stalking and ten counts of telephonic harassment.
Repeat Offender with Prior Convictions
This is not Purfield’s first arrest for stalking. In 2013, he was convicted of stalking the same Sandy Hook parent, and in 2019, he was convicted of stalking a former editor at The Oregonian.
Court records also show Purfield has shown up unannounced at the homes of previous victims, including a staff member for Mayor Keith Wilson earlier this year.
Legal Experts on Stalking Cases
Experts say stalking cases can be difficult to prosecute due to the legal burden of proving a sustained pattern of threatening behavior.
“We could have somebody who is definitely experiencing life-altering stalking,” said Emily La Brecque, Executive Director of the Oregon Crime Victims Law Center. “They’re intimidated, they’re worried for their safety and family. But does it meet the legal criteria? Maybe not.”
La Brecque added that stalking often requires persistence and courage from victims to come forward.
“Everything together makes up something that really makes them concerned for their safety,” she said.
Court Proceedings and Victim Resources
Purfield’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 5. OHSU declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
The Oregon Crime Victims Law Center continues to offer resources and legal support for individuals experiencing stalking and harassment.
As the case develops, it underscores ongoing safety challenges for victims of high-profile tragedies and the persistence of harassment tied to conspiracy-driven narratives.
Stay with HonkNews.com for verified updates on this developing case and other crime reports across Oregon.