Tooele, Utah (KUTV) — Recently unsealed search warrants indicate Tooele police believe the use of violent video games may have influenced the child's murderous behavior.
The document states that police seized a mobile phone and tablet from the victim of a murder in Tuele in February. Police believe the victim is the suspect's father, a 9-year-old boy.
On February 16, police said the child struck his father in the back of the head with a 9mm handgun and then attacked him with a tomahawk. Police allege both of these weapons were used in the video game Modern Warfare: Warzone.
The warrant states the game was typically played by children by other residents of the home.
The document states that, based on children of similar age who are known to have committed murders, the gruesome and unusual nature of the crime does not match the age of the child and therefore sheds light on why the deadly weapon was used. It is stated that the seizure of both devices is necessary for this purpose. murder.
“This is unique and alarming,” said licensed psychologist Dr. Doug Goldsmith, noting the child's young age is unusual for this crime.
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Goldsmith said most children frequently play violent video games but never act on them. However, if your child has a tendency towards violence, it may be affected.
“If you have children who are still in elementary school or junior high school, [or] “These are high school kids who use violence to get their way, and kids who are worried about spending too much time playing violent games,” he said.
He said games like “Modern Warfare” and exposure to other forms of violence online could, if true, be correlated with the murders.
Police said the child used the device shortly before the murder occurred.
“You don't usually see elementary school-age children charged with murder,” said former prosecutor Nathan Evershed.
Evershed said such cases are rare, but children can be charged with any crime an adult can be charged with, including murder.
“Based on the age and the uniqueness of this case, the court will need to determine whether the child is competent,” Evershed said, adding that it doesn't have to, but likely will. Ta.
However, Utah law states that children under the age of 10 cannot be placed in jail if convicted of a crime.
Therefore, Mr Evershed said alternatives would be explored.
“The court will have to make some important decisions about where best to place the child,” he said. “Is it family or friends? [or] Is it a community? ”
Evershed also said that although he is not an expert in civil law, he has heard about video game companies facing lawsuits over allegations of having a violent influence on children, and that he has no where to go. He said he had not released it.
