The Teen Boy Who Murdered His Family over a Video Game... | Daniel Petric

In October 2007, Daniel Petric took the life of his mother and severely injured his father following a disagreement over a video game. His actions would spur a nationwide debate over the effects of video games and violence, while his family were left with an emotional turmoil between forgiveness and vengeance.
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00:00 Intro
01:50 Wellington, Ohio
02:31 The Petric Family
03:21 Daniel Petric and Halo 3
07:32 October 20th, 2007
10:04 911 Recording & Police Footage
11:38 Aftermath
13:29 Forgiveness and recovery
15:17 Legal proceedings
20:14 Video games and violence...?
23:45 Reflections
26:07 Remembering Sue
26:49 Outro
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[@CoffeehouseCrime]

Spoiler alert: I don't think gaming was to blame for this case... That is probably why I felt so compelled to cover it. How perspective has changed over the years...

[@ndprod.animationenthusiast9376]

Neither do I. Though, it’s still tragic that this happened. I appreciate your coverage of the case.

[@tjfromalaska4520]

Thank you for covering this very tragic case.

[@Wndwkr]

If you still play games, what is your favorite?

[@debralynnv3044]

I agree, it's deeper then that, defently some darker issues in the mind of this individual, as in all that do things to hurt, harm or the other unthinkable n disturbing acts.. .thank you for your stories, doing a nice job, hope to see many new stories to come. Hope you n your family Stay safe and healthy during our crazy times..😊blessings

[@CyberusSuper]

Behavioral specialists have proven time and time again that video games aren't linked to violence or any antisocial behavior.

[@NomadHokie]

Video games don't cause violence. It's the addiction (to anything) that can cause people to do crazy things. That said, millions of people suffer from addiction -- nothing justifies what Daniel did.

[@MrsCassieToots]

I was going to say the same. Addiction is addiction. The game itself is irrelevant.

[@garrysekelli6776]

If anyone takes my halo 3 game though there will be consequences.

[@NickyBlue99]

Ummmm GAAAAAY-LO does

[@leeludallas]

Actually there's a proven double study that shows it desensitizes children to violence.... and dampens their capacity for compassion and empathy. It was very sad to see the examples within the study and it makes sense why the military like to recruit kids that enjoy first person shooters l.

[@Doabubba]

​@@garrysekelli6776 💀

[@happyhealthyhomestead]

He uttered the words “I have a surprise for you” and then attempted to execute his parents. That’s BEYOND video games….

[@jsdldfsfsdf]

That's right. Let's ban video games! G@mers are the devil!

[@tankthearc9875]

father is an idiot,

[@LilithLovedrop]

Thank you for pointing that out. I'm tired of people blaming on videogames or music .

[@randywhite3947]

@@LilithLovedrop same it’s annoying as hell

[@hapotus410]

I'm sure holocaust and rape of Nanking was because of videogames too

[@FlorianGeyer210]

As a teen in the 80's I had my fair share of arguments with my parents over heavy metal music. Today I am 53 years old, still listen to heavy metal and still love my parents endlessly.

[@bitteroldman2069]

Exactly same for me.

[@ashmarie_thatsme6517]

I’m so glad my mom was flexible with my music choices… I’m sure listening to deathcore when you don’t like it isn’t very fun. It’d be like my children blasting that BroCountry… I’d slowly start going insane. 😂

[@Shambles99]

Gay

[@eriktout5084]

Same...56yrs old .

[@spencerderosier6649]

@@Shambles99😂😂😂😂

[@DJrosevalentine]

I went thru that "I hate my parents. I'm so edgy" phase when I was a teen. Never did i ever think to harm them.. Music, video games, movies etc... didn't turn me into that. He's a monster

[@aLittleBitofErrything]

Right you just be in that fuck you guys mood but that’s it lol this guys wild

[@michaelstewart6609]

As if those moods did not impact them either...

[@aGrimTurtle]

Same. I never hated my parents but I went through the edgelord stuff. I thought I was smarter than them just because I decided to become an atheist, listened to screamo, played tons of violent video games from CoD to Dragon Age, read very grim books… and never in my life have I even gotten in a fight. My mom and I, may she rest in peace, had our fair share of arguments, but never once in my life could I fathom the idea of putting a hand on her. I still play video games nearly daily as a man with a career.

[@deki-chan6922]

Monsters know what they are doing and they never regrets. He is a child...

[@pphead6141]

Poser

[@melanieashrocks]

This kid didn't kill and shoot his father because he was in an altered state, believing he was a living version of the game. He shot his family, because he didn't get what he wanted. Simple. He killed, hurt, plotted, and stole for the pure fact he wanted something and his Dad said, "No."

[@nhmooytis7058]

He’s evil.

[@shanepearce1629]

face it he may have got the fix playing the game and not from a real life shooting

[@anngreen3495]

Spot on, Melanie Ash.

[@geminimonroe8961]

I agree.

[@gingerale1861]

It’s absolutely ridiculous to say this is because of a video game. This kid is a psychopath you can’t explain why a psychopath does horrible things.

[@loicemuchena3865]

The fact that Daniel actually tried to stage the murder scene to appear like a murder-suicide & was ready to kill his sister & husband, shows that this was not just some psychological reaction to being banned from playing a video game. Even asking them to close their eyes shows he had a moment to contemplate what he was about to do & change his mind.

[@selena2875]

Judge: "Hmm must of been a special halo mission"

[@kingjoe3rd]

I do actually believe that he really is sorry, though. He was a child when he did this and has probably changed immensely over time.

[@delaneyb6171]

@@kingjoe3rd I believe he was sorry for the consequences he received. He didn't want his father or family to hate him after the fact, because he likely would have no real connection in his life. For a cold blooded, double-murder attempt, with immediate lying/blame casting to his father (he justified this so easily and quickly because 1. his father denied him a thing he wanted and 2. the murders were his dad's fault because he said no to him), he got off really light. I don't think he deserved forgiveness, but maybe his mom would've thought differently.

[@Bettersucksaul]

@@kingjoe3rd He probably is sorry but it doesn’t matter anymore, the damage is done

[@artimisalvarez366]

Exactly, it was premeditated.

[@zaccansdale31765]

This boy does not deserve to walk free, this is typical behaviour for a psychopath: most people assume that there was no way he was in his right mind because there was no way he could get away with it, however in his mind, with his grandiose sense of self thought he could frame his father. There was something he wanted and he ruthlessly tried to that.

[@Sputterbugz]

psychopaths don't feel guilt or that it's wrong. he isnt a pyscho. maybe a sociopath, but I'm not a psychologist. but it doesn't take a doctorates to look up the traits. he missed his mom and knew it was wrong

[@Crazinator]

​@@Sputterbugzthank u

[@dakotastein9499]

@@Sputterbugz you have that backwards,sociopaths are the ones that dont feel guilt or remorse. psycopaths are the emotional,impulse driven poeple. i honestly dont think hes either,i simply think hes an entitled brat who couldnt handle his father putting his foot down so he decided to try and shut him up for good...thats alll that was a big violent vengeance driven temper-tantrum.

[@keithcheng4671]

he lucked out with a forgiving father and a video game hating judge

[@SarahAbramova]

Neither psychopath or sociopath are official terms anymore, now it's "psychopathy".

[@bryansl0587]

Daniel isn't a little kid or mentally predisposed to extremely childlike thoughts. He knew there's no respawn in real life.

[@BritGirlJay]

Yeah the whole 'video games made me do it' is as bollocks as 'god/devil made me do it' or 'music' - billions of people do ALL those things and don't hurt people. If he'd had no video games there would have been another 'reason' - and it was more likely it was because he didn't get his own way.

[@djepp1261]

Speaking from my own experiences, after playing The Legend of Zelda from a very young age, it has led me to a life full of breaking pots and vases in the hopes of finding large gem stones.

[@IsabelB1976]

🤣

[@Nokomomo22]

The newer versions of the game isn’t making me any better. I thought there was a Hinox in the forest I was taking a walk in 😂

[@IsabelB1976]

@@Nokomomo22 🤣

[@bethchenaille304]

😂

[@rjayp5843]

Brooooooo. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@sarahharrisginge736]

I remember my dad banned my sister and I from playing The Sims because we kept locking them in a room with couches and fireplaces 😂 he thought we were psychopaths. Video games don't cause violence. RIP Sue ❤

[@katiegaffney8939]

You didn't blast your mum to death though or dad, bit different

[@chronicfatiguehermithiker3022]

😅 Be nice to your sim people😂; your poor dad, well he was wrong because you are ok.

[@Hannah-ks4mi]

You made me laugh! Poor dad, he just wanted to make sure you turned out okay and you did 😄

[@JanePixel]

My parents did a similar thing with Zoo Tycoon lol apparently we found it a bit too funny to let the dinosaurs escape and eat the guests

[@nphillips3349]

This is a great string of confessions 🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonyhack1164]

I'm honestly just impressed that the father survived a gunshot to the head, that's rare. He was lucky to say the least.

[@infinitedeath1384]

Idk if lucky is the right word in this case. He lost his wife and lots of his faculties, had to relearn them all over again.

[@candyd.4398]

The son was simply a bad shot. I mean, he was right behind him. Makes me wonder who actually had their eyes closed.

[@Storm_23778]

Video games don't cause violence. This was a troubled teen. A teenage boy who got injured and was mentally unable to process his injury so he turned to video games. The video games gave him a purpose and made him happy, so when his father took that away, he probably felt devastated. When someone loves something that much cause it helps them cope, you take that away and they will react. So that is what I believe what happened. His parents should've instead just talked to him, spent time with him and helped him get outside more. Maybe even some therapy to help him cope with how his injury has affected his life. It all comes down to mental health in the end. There needs to be better and more proactive care when it comes to mental health no matter what the age is. If the root of the problem isn't solved then it will eventually overflow. It doesn't justify what Daniel did. He needs to be held accountable for his actions. I agree with his sentencing and hope that when he gets released, that he will live his life to the fullest and never commit another crime.

[@Rebrn-bk5em]

i have a feeling the father was overbearing particularly because he was a pastor. i can see him not coming to the table with a compromise. doesnt excuse anything and i have zero evidence just my instinct

[@PeripheralVisionary.]

One of the worst approaches to parenting is the zero tolerance “do what I say because I told you so”. I can understand the issue when it comes to dwelling in your own thoughts because your parents are not willing to compromise. When children feel they cannot come to their parents and expect understanding, it will only exacerbate any underlying mental health issues. This is why video games became less contentious over the years, as we push for parents to understand and reason with their children instead of being disciplinarians. I don’t think Daniel is necessarily a psychopath for what he has done. Taking away comforting things from your child without reason when they are dealing something like a spinal injury is borderline abusive. I know many kids who didn’t murder their parents. I also know many who don’t talk to their parents because of how this parenting approach ruins lives.

[@colkusu]

Yeah, I dont think you are victim blaming or justifying his actions. However, they were his parents so they had responsibility over him. Not to be confused with responsibility over his murderous actions. My brother also struggled with video game addiction because his grades were failing and i believe he wanted something that he excelled at. However this contributed to further academic fails. He is getting better now but while these were happening other members of the family were also struggling with separate mental issues so we couldnt be there for him. I deeply regret that. In the end, we stopped activities as a family and miscommunications increased, leading to impatience and anger issues. My brother also lashed out several times, hurt himself (had to get stitches) and even rushed at our dad. He is getting better now thanks to therapy. I hope it will all be better for our family, and I wish it would have been better for this unfortunate family as well. Addictions and teenage years don't go well, I wish this could have been prevented.

[@FatalShotGG]

​@@Rebrn-bk5emHim choosing to exile his own son over a video game isn't a very "pastor" thing to do... That whole family was troubled

[@jasonlockwood22]

While I was being diagnosed with autism, I explained to my psychologist that World of Warcraft was one of my many hobbies and that it was routinely criticised by a lot of people in my life - my psychologist at the time, she took time to listen and helped me see that there are many unseen benefits such as making friends, solving puzzles, challenging yourself to read - gaming, particularly in WoW, has been a great benefit to who I am today. I no longer play, but the concept of fantasy gaming gave me so many skills that I utilise today as an individual with a bachelor's degree in education.

[@jchope777]

"Many skills & bachelor of education" ---> Awesome dude! 👏🏼

[@harrypottah8889]

Yeah!! Oddly enough playing Skyrim has helped me irl with problem solving, timing and other things! Glad you found a special interest that helped you Jason 🤘🏾

[@gemma8611]

I loved this.

[@Ivy-ch4jw]

@@harrypottah8889Skyrim helped me a lot too! Especially with the English language as a kid (me being Swedish). It also helped me with some social skills. + Inigo

[@xeddtech]

Same here.

[@Sneatt]

As a man who's been playing video games since I was 6 or so, I can confidently say I've never thought about brutally murdering my parents with my dads gun and then try to blame it on him.

[@EmeraldView]

Maybe not brutally. 😉

[@SamuraiSx19]

Video games before were different. And we did grow up in more normal environment. While nowadays kids don't know how grass outside looks. Engaged daily into phones/apps/games. It's not just about playing a game nowadays - it's bigger social problem where borders to what's ok or not are destroyed. Also now definition of a "game" distorted. Many things are called a "game" while carrying violent content for entertainment with sold purpose to kill isn't gaming nor should be considered a game. And lastly - not all are you. Especially nowadays kids with fragile mental state.

[@komlat253]

I know it's not the games .I been playing since I was 4 . My 2nd video game was Resident evil .I played every horror and violent game before I was a teen. The most violent thought I ever had was beating up the school bully. Lol never had a murderous thought in my life

[@sydbiz]

Stop the cap 😤😂😉

[@TheConspiredOne]

You've thought of it just now though? Also you are on a video about it?

[@nathaliegelinasvandenbosch3877]

I agree with you about the video. My son played violent video games growing up and sometimes still does. If you ask his wife she'll tell you he is the most gentle person she knows. He is now 31 and remains a joy to my life and the many people that know him.

[@StefanWinchester]

I was a gamer kid and still play games as a 26 year old ive never hit somone over a game let alone kill somone. This boy was crazy

[@LiftingStress]

I could never forgive a sibling for killing my mother, nearly my father, and wanted me dead too. All the surgeries, physical therapy, PTSD, grief over losing his wife, slipping into a coma nearly dying himself, and still he forgave is unbelievable. It's scary how Daniel will walk free in 7 yrs. If he can do that to his family then he's capable of anything.

[@Lukedapook]

Maybe now he’ll learn how to be a good parent 😂 the parents are the cause of this because they created the kid and raised the kid and couldn’t give the kid a positive outlet besides video games. Sucks

[@KeiGambit]

Hopefully someone puts him down in prison before then

[@zackhickey4922]

Forgives him for killing his beloved wife but wouldn’t cut him slack on Halo 3. What a guy

[@Kenzinru]

​@@zackhickey4922right? Tf is up with that?

[@zrexx9428]

I mean the guy was probably like severely fucking mentally ill. I don't get comments like these. We act and assume as if everyone is in standard functioning to our own. I've had severe mental problems of my own that were exacerbated by physical health conditions that affected my brain function. Everyone took any bad incidents or mistakes I've made over the years and treats me like I'm a fully capable, ordinary human being that should take blame for his actions, but like, I have a mountain of fucking shit that infected my brain. I did research to realize that I had like 7 fucking mental disorders that I didn't even realize that I had (well not that bad but it was intense). People don't realize how severe mental health can be and how much it can contribute to shit. Chances are you don't know enough to understand the specific circumstances of the killer or what went on inside the person's head or what was potentially wrong with them. I'm dead sick of these comments that talk about how disgusting or unforgivable many criminals are when it's like, you don't even know the circumstance of most of these fucking people and you're operating off of an archetype that exists in your head. Everyone thinks of killers or other pathological criminals like some kind of cartoon character bad guy. Sometime it's not that simple. When we talk about people and their mistakes, it's like a very very complex world that exists. Child molesters, for instance. Very quickly villainized category. But did you know that peoploe with pedophilia have altered nervous systems and there's a boatload of psychological confusion that goes on in their brain? Like they are warped to sometimes think that the victim wants it and its a thing where they're fucking crazy. It's not as simple as "evil guy does X". When your brain is fucked, you do stupid shit. Anyone that is willing to make comments like this, I recommend they pick up college-level textbooks in psychological disorders and other things that are related to psychology. You'd be surprised how much more complicated it can really be.

[@galesalinas964]

Even before video games, we went out and played games that involved "shooting and killing" bad guys. Our friends would play dead then pop back up. No one confused the playing of these games with real life bad guys and shooting.

[@briansmaller7443]

Exactly - and the hundreds of millions of people who play video games (I am not one of them I don't like them) are not running around killing other people in a delusional fog.

[@Censortubes]

Cowboys and Indians as kids, teaches you the value of weapons vs over reaching admin.

[@Naomi-pq6tv]

Because playing like that doesn't have realistic blood spatter or other realistic violence. We knew it was pretend when we used finger guns or even squirt guns/cap guns.

[@SamuraiSx19]

It's different when it comes to VIRTUAL REALITY which AFFECTS BRAIN directly. That's why it is malicious. You should know difference between playing irl and on computer. Especially for nowadays youth that foesnt know how grass outside looks..

[@lacountess]

I explained to a friend the difference between violence in video games and what happens in real life. No sane person can confuse real humans with AI that comes at you even when you shoot it with multiple bullets over and over. There’s something almost comical about video game violence that never translates to actual human murder.

[@SMG41]

as someone who knew the family, the strength, resilience, ability to forgive, and most importantly the faith of this family cannot be understated. his younger sister was a friend of mine in high school and though she didnt talk about it much, the family themselves are some of the best people I've met even throughout the darkest, most difficult time in their lives. i pray that daniel learned/learns his lesson one day, and i pray nothing but the best for the Petric family.

[@losingmyfavoritegame8752]

This is one of the most painful stories I have heard. I cannot begin to imagine what the father felt waking up from the coma and learning the news of why he was "here". Even harder to imagine the perspective of a dad who actually cares about his family and had good intentions for his son.

[@andrewsisson6536]

When the whole "Are video games evil?" discussion came up, my mom made an interesting point. When she was young, parents were freaking out about the Beatles. "Oh, they're satanic. If you let your kids listen to them, they'll wind up in a cult!" The parents were overreacting to something they neither understood nor appreciated. She loved the Beatles, and she turned out fine. Maybe video games were in the same boat.

[@leob4403]

Sorry no, bad comparison. Addictive online games are basically made for your brain to get hooked on them and to trick your brains reward and accomplishment circuits, thats how this guy can play 18 hours a day, because the game tricks his brain into feelings of accomplishments. It stresses the brain in a negative way that beatles music does not, noone would listen to Beatles 18 hours a day, its just meant as inspiration not brainwashing

[@shaedric5733]

​@@leob4403 bro I literally have music playing from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep. What are you talking about.

[@thismarxtheendforjoo2298]

@@leob4403 it would be a bad comparison if that was what was being compared. However it’s the thoughts the judge had regarding video games that is being compared to how people thought about the Beatles.

[@itsjeninMass]

Yes. Right along with heavy metal.

[@leob4403]

@@shaedric5733 music doesnt make you into a nervous wreck forced to sit infront of a monitor until you slowly go insane. It doesnt trick your brain into thinking you are accomplishing real tasks in life. Did you ever hear anyone that stopped their life dead in their tracks because they had to sit at home and listen to Beatles 18 hours a day? Its a bad comparison period

[@bababababababa6124]

I feel bad when I accidentally step on a bug, so I have no clue how someone can go through with murdering their own family 😭

[@DemBigOlEyes]

Depends on the context. I too would feel bad if I stepped on bug unintentionally, but I have no sympathy for slapping the absolute shit out of that mosquito attacking my exposed skin while I sleep.

[@SamKevinAntony]

​@@DemBigOlEyes This is so relatable 😁

[@ittylink]

​@@DemBigOlEyesor Kamikaze right at your ear lol

[@tjfromalaska4520]

Me Three! It's unimaginable to me that someone could off their whole family!

[@islandthrifts809]

I never fell bad for smashing a spider, but I start to get paranoid. Like, what if that spider has a family? Now they want justice for me smashing their don. Next thing I know the whole spider mafia is waiting for me at my door.

[@LBEEZY_TV]

The fact that parents and everyone don’t know how to treat addictions is just wild.

[@tylerblocker2501]

It was a very different time. Mental health was still very taboo, addiction was an embarrassment for people. A lot has changed between now and then. Getting help isn’t looked at the same way as it was then.

[@CoushattaL]

So let me get this right instead of getting him help for his obvious issues, they threatened to kick him out as a teenager? What the heck. The parents filled him very much.

[@ManySkills]

My parents always took the approach of "monitor and educate" rather than "ban." (I was born in 1989). I feel like being given an outlet, whether through games, heavy music, martial arts, does so much more for mental health than being denied and sheltered. Imagine feeling trapped, possible resentment for your parents for denying you something that all of your friends have (maybe even like an outcast because you're more sheltered than others) while you're a teenager. You're already existing in a hormonal minefield. Couple that with some mental instability and...yeah

[@EdieDawnJay]

You got it right, that was my very first thought. This kid was probably blocked from a lot because of his dad's religious fervor, and then for a year he was even more trapped within the home while his spine healed. Not saying the kid was justified of course, just that I can see why he might "abruptly" snap.

[@bjbrown]

I disagree. This young man had hatred early on and the game may have been the incentive that he needed to commit the crime. His father knows better than I but the son was of an age to know better. The son is in a better place.

[@No_Fuse8771]

@@bjbrown Incentive, as in the game it self, or the game play? I hope I said that right. I can see the game it self but not the game play. You are born violent or made violent by you're environment, I.E. real environment. As in mistreatment in school or parents, and sometimes both. Sometimes it's perceived mistreatment as well. I think this kid had a little of all of it, and yes, he knew he did wrong. Does he regret it? Most of the time I would say no. For him, I'm leaning a little to the yes side. Just a little.

[@It-is-me...Melsie]

@@No_Fuse8771 You think for most part he doesn't regret it? I'd say he absolutely does, even if not for what he did to his mum and dad but definitely for himself. His life is no walk in the park anymore.

[@ManySkills]

@@bjbrown I watched back through and I'm struggling to find where it said he had hatred early on. I think the judge touched on it but managed to miss the point; it's way more about the horrors of addiction (of any sort) than about the game itself.

[@strawberrycoon5382]

People who commit crimes like that has already underlying issues, outside sources like video games or tv series probably fueled those issues BUT they are never the cause. With people like this kid, anything can trigger him. Millions of people play violent games, how many of them commit heinous crimes? It's never the games, it's the person itself.

[@jsdldfsfsdf]

Big gaming got to you to! Video games are a disease! Save your soul! Turn to CHrist!

[@strawberrycoon5382]

@@jsdldfsfsdf lol coming from someone who believes in a person who "supposedly" perform miracles and will save you from some imaginary evil makes. Ridiculous. It's the addiction, not the games itself. Anyone who can't get a fix of their addiction can do crazy things. Spare me with that Christian bs.

[@AquaHedgehog]

@@strawberrycoon5382 Honestly what @jsdldfsfsdf said sounds like a meme to me. "Big gaming" just makes it so obvious.

[@strawberrycoon5382]

@@AquaHedgehog oops sorry, it's hard to tell with Christians. I legit got told by one that I'm going to hell because I'm into kpop and kpop is the instrument of evil lol

[@benkurtz1773]

Completely agree, the one thing his dad forgot to mention is yes God is a God of love and forgiveness . But God also gave us his creation made in his image, free will . And regardless of a video game, Daniel with his free will chose to shoot his parents. The devil might whisper a idea but it is completely your choice to listen or denie that dark idea.

[@WilliamOwens1]

There's something about him that ain't right. You can see it in him more now that he's older. Gives me chills.

[@Yomamahouseyo]

Agree

[@solidwegy61]

There's a void behind his eyes

[@ashleemarie9939]

Millions of people play these video games on a daily basis. Yet death via video game is rare. There's always an underlying issue. It should be made legal worldwide for parents to be allowed to force their children into therapy. As a parent with a troubled teen...i feel helpless to do anything to help as laws stop me from doing anything

[@altimayoutuber9856]

The underlying issue was mentioned almost immediately. His religion crazed nut case father told his child son hed kick him out rather than be a fcking loving father and help his sons issues by teaching him moderation in all things

[@melgreier1630]

No, gaming isn’t to blame, Daniel is to blame. His father is far more forgiving than anyone else may have been.

[@zrexx9428]

I mean the guy probably had some kind of mental disorder or something. You never know. It's very easy to just say someone's "bad" but like, I'm a guy who has a mental illness and I've studied mental illness. Even people that are sex offenders who commits crimes against kids, they often are reaped with something wrong with their mind and a sense of internal confusion. It's not as simple and cut and dry as we make these things. There's some people that are cold-blooded but a lot of things that can happen. Sometimes there can be things just insanely insanely wrong with people that stretches beyond the common person's ability to understand. I think this kind of pop culture thinking about responsibility and other things, that you read in youtube comments or hear from conservative-leaning people in real life, it ignores the larger picture of everything that can possibly be wrong with a person's mind where they just do something stupid because of distorted perception and thinking. The actual reality of what can happen with many people who are dysfunctional and can make serious mistakes, it's quite sad. Me, I've even had physical health compllciations for years and its affected to my brain to where I've been more vengeful and cold and standoffish as a person, on top of mental shit. You think it's as easy as "someone is bad", which is what many people have told me for my mistakes, but it's not always as simple as that. I'm not saying cold-blooded people can't exist. But I recommend that everyone who makes these talking points about "responsibility" or "blame" or shits on criminals or whatever, they pick up some college textbooks on mental disorders and mental health and understand all the convoluted shit that actually goes on.

[@LordRobaZe]

@@zrexx9428 I dont care about your mental problems, if you commit a crime, fuck em.

[@MrCosmin94]

Weird christians. My son murdered my wife and me also but he deserves a second chance 💀

[@Daddydeeds1]

@@MrCosmin94 weird kid on KZbin complaining about forgiveness of all things in the video. Took the one wholesome thing and complained about it. Imagine.

[@MrCosmin94]

@@Daddydeeds1 "kid" 🤣🤣🤣

[@Psycho-zb4cg]

"Dad, i miss my mom." "No Son, you didnt missd her."

[@Jaden_The_Celestial]

As somebody who grew up (and still is) Catholic, I had very similar parents. They didn’t much approve of the violent video games. But thankfully our circumstances didn’t bring out such a dark turnout. I was able to play Halo and Call of Duty as well once I was about the same age. All they asked is that I don’t swear or cuss around them while playing it and to be careful when talking to people online. I was very aware of the online risk, and I never NOT ONCE when playing these FPS games did I think about killing anybody in real life. Sure I would get grounded and wasn’t allowed to play my games for a while, but I never hated my parents for it. I even did start playing GTA5 when I turned 18, and I was still living with my parents, and they knew I was playing it. It was all about trust and having the knowledge of how to balance it properly. Video games do not make people violent. Addiction and obsession makes people violent. Learn to control your urges and know your boundaries. Exercise self-control and such dark situations won’t likely happen.

[@stevejones148]

Wow you got to play GTA as an adult what trusting parents.

[@CrazyCatMom11]

I hope this kid truly appreciates that his dad forgave him. I never could. I think he's a cold-blooded psychopath who knew how to manipulate his father.

[@yingyang1615]

Judge needs to stick to law and leave the mental diagnosis to the professionals

[@srjwildcat3589]

Opinion are like assholes. Everyone has one and they all stink. But...we all have the freedom to express them which is a wonderful thing.

[@Maya-Hayden]

He was extremely correct in his analogy. You are simply a child.

[@pennymac2331]

@@srjwildcat3589 I think you meant are

[@srjwildcat3589]

@@pennymac2331 Obviously. 👍

[@pennymac2331]

@@srjwildcat3589 I thought it might be some weird American saying is all...

[@Jobot590]

I don’t know if this is intentional but the ads on your videos always seem perfectly placed to create little cliffhangers. It’s great. Love watching your videos, not everyone tells crime stories well but your videos are pretty addicting.

[@user-yg8jf1zk9e]

"Whatever the plan was, Daniel would never get the chance to play Halo 3 again."

[@findingwhimsy]

“forgive them, father, they know not what they do…” I’d argue his son knew exactly what he was doing.

[@kimmuckenfuss2284]

Yes, & let God forgive the son. I don't think it's too practical to "forgive & forget" when a murder has been committed. I truly fear for that family if they let Daniel back into their life if he gets out of prison at 40 years of age.

[@ProudBostonian]

Well I mean when you think about it, is it really a surprise to see religious people doing mental gymnastics in order to justify their beliefs or actions? I mean you have to almost by definition in order to be religious in the first place. It’s something I could never quite grasp or understand and now as a 37 year old fully disabled combat veteran as well as an Avowed Atheist I absolutely cannot understand how or why people choose to believe in the things they believe in.

[@introspectivetonysoprano]

Yes, because forgiving and trying to grow as a person MUST BE INSANE! Everyone knows you have to actively hate people who have done wrong until you die.

[@shayshaymann113]

@@ProudBostonian I really would like to take a moment to say thank you for your services!!! 🫡

[@marsship921]

@@introspectivetonysoprano It really is. At least when he lives whit you, this kid would do some other bullshit again and again. So yeah, leave acting like a saint to Jesus i guess.

[@valevale3873]

Through this horror, I prefer to concentrate on how sweet it is that you apologized to your mum and admitted that you now understand her.

[@LadyLeeBird]

All of us parents out here hope to hear those words someday.. ❤

[@megatherion2695]

Eee ken dantse weeth aye munkee

[@Darren_Barclay]

I really enjoy your content Adrian, I can appreciate the amount of time and research it takes. Great editing and great content. Keep at it and I’ll keep watching.

[@garulusglandarius6126]

I’ve played video war games/ assassin games for decades, not once have I even considered killing anyone in real life. Sane people know the difference between the gaming world and real life ! This boy/man had murder in mind because he couldn’t have his own way , he was already evil !

[@infinitedeath1384]

Same. I went from playing oblivion when I was 7 years old, to battlefield games when I was 14-16. Since then played a huge number of diverse games, shadow of Mordor, shadow of war, assassin Creed games, MMOs, dishonored, sniper games, hitman, to now with star wars game, assassin's creed mirage and destiny 2. Not once has killing someone entered my mind, and it never will.

[@WYIN98]

As a psychologist, this is more a matter of addiction than a videogame. An addiction destroys lives.

[@NotAnAmerican]

Dopamine is a hell of a drug

[@unarammer2003]

public school system turning your kids into heathens and that's the bottom line...schools raise your kids unless your rich and know better than to send your kids to the satanic synagogue aka school...they don't teach you how to learn they teach you what to learn,indoctrinate you with absolute garbage...tv,schools have turned this country to a land of heathens..JESUS CHRIST IS TRUTH...

[@PhawnixAndJewel]

as an addict, can confirm

[@srenfylking4128]

you are absolutely right .. video games today are like drugs fo young people addictive and made so by the designers... look how tiktok take childrens avereness from reality...

[@unarammer2003]

as a psychologist you have walls full of indoctrination certificates and it did you no good...your so far off your analysis of daniel...uuummmm addiction...gtfoh...you will never know any real truth because you think you already know it...I'm a country boy in the backwoods of Alabama and I laugh at your education...I've forgot more than you will ever know...

[@JH-st6wg]

May I suggest the case of Cody Barnoski? I went to high school with him and he murdered his own mom. He continued going to school during the week she was "missing". He recently got out on parole as he killed her when he was 14.

[@thetman0068]

To a point, I feel bad for Daniel. Not for what he did or the circumstances around it - he made his own bed and deserves very much to lie in it - but rather that, if he is paroled in 2030, he will find himself in a very different world from 2008. He forfeit the best years of life over something so utterly meaningless. That has to hurt, if indeed there is any humanity within him. I believe we as outsiders looking in on this story can look on Daniel with, if nothing else, pity. I am not a religious man, but I know that forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian beliefs. I have immense respect for the father for finding it within himself and his faith to forgive his son for his sins, regardless of if that forgiveness is misplaced.

[@duvessa2003]

Any time you come between someone and their addiction, YOU ARE IN DANGER. Find an indirect approach…

[@reefcake6629]

Damn, imaging being his dad. Poor guy and he still tried to save his son afterwards. Just horrendous.

[@RRRobertLazer]

Sounds like he was totally disconnected from his kid and blinded by stupid Christianity. Had he taken time to understand his child and even engage with his fixation, he could have avoided turning him crazy

[@MikadoYuma]

Throwing out your kid for doing something like playing a game with violence is ridiculous..

[@MikadoYuma]

​@@RRRobertLazer Agreed.

[@dky4]

@@RRRobertLazer Playing video games 18 hours a day and moving in with a friend over that is not normal behaviour. Who wants their kid addicted to video games? I'm not religious at all and would have taken my addicted childs console/games away too

[@kashd4668]

I would never forgive my son, no matter what!!. What a coward!

[@Eric4real4321]

I think the judge's first point was valid. Video games can be very addictive. And like many other addictions, people will go to extreme lengths to feed that addiction. The game itself was not the cause but rather his need to play. Unfortunately he let his addiction get the better of him.

[@Telocar]

I also understood where he was coming from, but I think Daniel's mental state was already unhealthy and adding the video game to that didn't make it any better.

[@bethmahadocon1887]

I tend to agree. I don’t think the contents or story/violence of the game was the problem but the addiction was. It doesn’t matter if it was HALO or Dragonvale . Winning, collecting & in some cases the online competition can be very addictive. Some people have the same problem with Likes on Instagram. Combine the addiction with the spinal injury causing him to be housebound for a year and puberty is a recipe for disaster. I imagine the game was often his only escape from boredom and depression.

[@Flaschenteufel]

Mjeah bs. A videogame isn't heroine

[@sewgood568]

​@@Flaschenteufelno, but the neurological impact is very similar. And most heroin addicts start off with softer drugs providing less of a high.

[@Eric4real4321]

@@Flaschenteufel addiction is addiction. Gambling is not Heroine but people have ruined their lives from it.

[@Daecoth]

Blaming video games for violence is like blaming hot wheels for vehicular crimes.

[@boundbyhonor8382]

love how you added "battlefield, back when the series was good" so true! i wish they would fix the bugs and slow FPS

[@sueannoverstreet38]

When the judge said that it was the video games fault you could tell that Daniel was wanting to smile. He should have gotten life and that's what I believe firmly.

[@investor.z]

It was god’s plan :-).

[@cursedcatisgod]

@@investor.z wtf

[@yanglee8906]

Bc he typed ggez in chat

[@johnynoway9127]

​@@cursedcatisgod yep all is God's plan

[@TheGuardianssorrow]

@@investor.z then that god needs to be burned

[@Shortauthor]

I'm starting to realize that forgiveness for people like this is a way to disassociate from the terrible truth. Because I don't see how someone could forgive a vile act such as this. This kid is screwed in the head on many levels. And I hope he rots in prison for what he's done.

[@Bettersucksaul]

This is so true tbh I’ve forgiven awful people only for them to go on and do terrible things to me/others. If there’s anything I’ve learned it’s that people don’t change and not everyone deserves forgiveness

[@user-lz7kq8ne9e]

His father was a good man and he needed to forgive his son because he gave his life to God

[@Shortauthor]

@user-lz7kq8ne9e good for him. But that still doesn't have anything to do with the horrible act his son did. Some things are unforgivable. Sure, hate is bad, but that's most people's way of coping with anything, saying god this or god that. As long as he finds peace, that's fine. But I hope he never forgets the atrocity his son committed. Also, it's STILL a way to dissacate. I'm a Buddhist and every vile thing that's happened to me doesn't revolve around my religion, my mother abused and threatened to kill me, and I will never forgive her for destroying my childhood. Do I hate her? No, but she has to live with the fact of what she did. I didn't blame what happened on my religion or some deity, I faced the cold, harsh truth and grew from it. And that's something a lot of people who are religious don't do. Instead they give all of THEIR accomplishments to a god that allowed those things to happen. And for what? A sick plan? If it was a person, people would say that individual is terrible. Most people can't picture an existence without a deity looming over them and it baffles me. But I try to understand because it's fascinating how many disregard horrible actions and immediately blame it on "the devil" or "god". Shit happens all the time. And rather than face it, even though it's hard, they neglect truths and basic logic. So again, if that were my family member or a friend or partner, something like that will not be forgiven. He took away a life that did him no wrong.

[@Shortauthor]

@Bettersucksaul some do change, but for someone to do this in the first place only reinforces the fact that they had this in them to begin with. I learned the hard way what forgiving vile individuals is like myself, and I agree, they don't change for whatever reason. But mainly because they don't see anything wrong with what they're doing. And that's dangerous in some situations.

[@Nylak-Otter]

I'm not religious in any way, but I find forgiveness for even things as "evil" as this comes easily for me, personally. I've been through some "unforgivable" shit. But there's a difference between forgiving the dog that bit you out of fear because you understand why it bit you, and trusting the dog not to bite you again until the situation has changed (it's no longer a frightening situation), the offender has changed (the dog is no longer afraid of you) or you've grown as an individual yourself (you've learned to calm the dog and make it feel safe before approaching).

[@alicein1984]

I remember this case so well. I was in my late teens/early twenties & a big gamer at the time. My friends & I absolutely hated the way this case was presented & the way the judge viewed video games. It was disgusting back then to us who knew that his actions were his actions alone. It didn't matter if it was a video game or a book or whatever he may have been into, if his parents forbid it & he felt he was entitled to it, & he got access to a gun it was going to happen. It's mental health issues and parental control issues, not the video games.

[@SanarySeggnete]

As a school librarian as well as a young parent and retired kid (j.k), this is what i feel like about parenting and gaming. Banning your kids from getting what they want only make them want that thing more. (Daniel friend, who let him live with, didn't end up murdering his whole family, most of the gamers didn't end up as murderer). And kid always find the way to get what they want, you take away your ability to control it. Harsh punishment without a solid communication only worse the relationship between you and the kid. Punish them, but find the middle ground between them and you. It's important to show them your opinion as well as listening to their opinion, be their friend, not their enemy... And yeah, you can't force your ideology on them. Don't ever chase your kid out of the house... Just don't. They may be getting cold feet and choose to obedience, but it left them a scar on their mind, remind them that you are willing to be their stranger or even, for you, they are just a stranger inside your house.

[@TheBestComicKing]

Ok the judge had me at first with the addiction part, then he lost me when he basically thinks Daniel became delusional and can’t separate fantasy and reality.

[@tabbz5927]

My thoughts also😮

[@bethchenaille304]

Ummmm, the judge really believed Daniel though his parents would respawn!? Stop it!!

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

The boy is evil. How could he tell his parent's to close their eyes to give them surprise then shot them? He knew what he was doing and he's a threat to the society

[@Nicky2414]

​@@artisthusnatalal3099 The boy wasn't evil. It's clear he was just consumed by anger, and it clouded his judgment. When you are angry, you aren't exactly thinking rationaly.

[@ManrantsonMRA]

Yea the judge was correct then gave his personal opinion like the presenter did

[@EvilRobotSteve]

This could just as easily happen because his parents had forbid him from going to a party, or from hanging out with a certain group of friends, or from getting a tattoo etc. He had this in him, it just happened to be the game that inspired it. I've played violent games my entire life and I've always argued that it can actually be a productive outlet. I can remember going on rampages in GTA and the like being a way to work out the frustrations of the day knowing that you are causing no real harm to anyone or any thing. The one real takeaway I have from this case is that Mark was a much better father than this kid deserved.

[@jsdldfsfsdf]

Nah it was the video games. Made the boy a killer. Send it happen too many times. When will we learn as a nation? Let's ban video games for ever!!!!!!!

[@JackieOwl94]

I got into a spat with my father when he accused me of being a terrible person because I played video games, that they were evil and caused kids to become horrible people. I laughed and asked what he knew about the games I played, then described the Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, and Kingdom Hearts (the only “violent” game I played at the time) series to him, and asked how stories about friendship and being kind to others was a gateway to murder.

[@0NIN7]

@@JackieOwl94 youre a terrible person and should be locked up.

[@ygtghj8312]

Imagine having this weak mentality lol 'ive had a hard day at work i know ill shoot people on gta to destress!' Hit the gym lol

[@kvetcherkit]

I think it was a bit different since this was basically his only coping method throughout his injury. Not saying it wasn't fucked up, but I don't think he would have snapped over being told no to a party.

[@lastnihilist9]

theres plenty of science to back up the judges opinions on video gaming being addictive in excess because of releasing dopamine in your brain.' The reward center in the brain releases dopamine in response to a pleasurable experience or hyperarousal. If a person experiences hyperarousal while playing video games, the brain associates the activity with dopamine. The person develops a strong drive to seek out that same pleasure again and again.'(1 Jul 2022)

[@mandymaree9430]

Ridiculous. He knew they were not going to "respawn" the next day. He just didnt like being told no.

[@user-lh3is5or4y]

It sucks that the mom had to die for the father and son to make amends. Poor mom.

[@TubularBelles]

And why did he shoot his Mum 3 times when his beef was with his Dad?

[@laikeree_4213]

​@@TubularBelles Ngl that's what confused me too

[@pastorcodymitchell1456]

i wouldn't put it quite like that but ya

[@richardlittle4133]

It is far easier to blame video games than it is to blame the person that pulled the trigger. No parent wants to believe there is anything wrong with their child, including mental illness. Especially back when this tragedy happened.

[@jbear3478]

My mom took me off antidepressants when I was 16 because she was ashamed.

[@Rakuei]

Yep, and in a small town, with him being a pastor, image and reputation are a big thing.

[@gkitty3371]

When I first heard of this case I was shocked. I'm a second generation gamer, played em my whole life. We understood the difference between real life and video games, we knew not to go overboard acting em out in play. There's been many times we were grounded from them and we understood it was because we weren't good. Not once did we try retaliating against our parents over em.

[@kevinhowery6060]

"Mom, sorry i played gta"~a guy who never even jaywalked probably

[@ZimtPorridge]

Am I the only one who finds it even more horrifying when there hasn't been a history of violent behavior? Like, that person went from 0 to 10000 out of nowhere and because of basically nothing?

[@AlexVardr]

There is a theory that you are born a sociopath and nothing can be done against it except put you out of your misery so you don't take anyone else with you.

[@supervong1]

You dont need a history of violence to become a killer. Today, you're the most humble person on Earth, tomorrow you're on a spree killing. Just like that.

[@jimboramba]

The scariest psychopaths are the ones who are smart enough to keep their plans to themselves

[@Bettersucksaul]

None of us know if he had a history bc all we have is word of mouth regarding his home situation and him as a person. But honestly he was a teen when this happened, even if he wasn’t violent then he had plenty of time to start

[@Bettersucksaul]

@@AlexVardr Sociopathy is highly correlated with trauma , poverty, and abuse from a young age. Honestly same thing with psychopathy but that one seems to also have genetic links

[@creartsyivy]

My dad is a gamer so my sister and I grew up playing video games, even GTA at a young age and we aren't violent at all. I definitely think it depends on the individual and so many other factors in their life and the video games aren't to blame.

[@creartsyivy]

And our favorite thing to do on GTA was to run people over to steal their money, wait for the ambulance to arrive so we could steal it and do missions then run over more people over and over to wrack up as much money as possible before getting caught. 😆

[@kimberlyhood4095]

There's just certain personalities that get more addicted than others. This kid had issues to begin with and adding the hours upon hours of gaming didn't help with his mental health. I've been a gamer since the arcade games in the 80's but we had a certain time we had to be home and the games stayed at the arcade. We got the first Atari system but the discipline playing at an arcade stayed with us. This kid had a serious addiction and I've seen so many of these kids killing parents over phones it's definitely a correlation to that 24/7 usage. I saw a video just a couple of weeks ago that showed a kid beating the shit out of his teacher for taking his phone. It's not the game itself, it's being online and never turning your brain off that's become the problem.

[@creartsyivy]

@@kimberlyhood4095 I agree! It definitely depends on the person and on their mindset at the time as well!

[@Sputterbugz]

yeah my brother and I played cops and robbers on need for speed 2 and I'm not driving around looking for police chases

[@yucatansuckaman5726]

Idk man your whole family might be psychopaths

[@Zelkova_Serrata]

I got tear on my eyes when the father do still defend his son😢 raising a son is challenging, especially when it come to controlling teen addiction for their own good...

[@andreadeans2520]

Absolutely unforgivable. Terrible actions and evil choices. He deserves life

[@Pumaky]

There have been several studies done on children to see, how children who are exposed to violence on a daily basis react to different situations. So far all the study has proven is that it makes the children react less to violent stuff, not that they turn into killing machines.

[@thespot2035]

Being turned into killing machines isn't the end game ,it is that at the end of the day the child has been exposed to reactive behaviour and they sooner rather than later,act! simple

[@truth4004]

Reacting less means less empathy. Desensitized

[@JustyMe]

​@@truth4004 yeah to me it still sounds bad. I feel like very young or immature kids shouldn't play this type of games.

[@NightLordddd]

@@JustyMe I mean we've all played these types of games and are fine. If people end up having these problems it might just be a mental problem they have.

[@GrubbJunker]

On the other hand, experiencing it in real life does something to the child. Like dad beating mom on a daily basis, the child will think they have to do that too, as they'll emulate the father (if it's a boy). And no boy would want to emulate a video-game character.

[@ominouscherub]

it’s strange to blame video games for violence to me I grew up in one of the top ten violent cities in the US and don’t do these things I kind of never understood the correlation it’s giving displacement

[@ladynikkie]

This same song and dance has been happening since the early '90s and literal science has proven that video games do not cause violence.

[@jovoncourtney]

Took the words right out of my mouth. I was thinking in my head, if you can survive here(Baltimore) you can make it anywhere lol

[@ittylink]

Mortal Kombat players would be some of the most violent serial murderers on earth.

[@richardvinsen2385]

@@ladynikkie It’s a convenient excuse for bad parenting.

[@CraftyVegan]

@@richardvinsen2385 bad parenting and a lot of lead exposure… which causes bad parenting coincidentally 🤔

[@lvphenexvl4213]

I believe we didn’t get the full description of what happened. If he had the gun behind his dads head, but the bullet went downwards through his cheek and jaw, I bet when his dad heard the “click” he went to turn his head to see what was happening which had to have been obvious in his mind for that split second before the shot fired 😢

[@gradyboyd4667]

Another good point, for what it's worth, is that in most video games, you're playing the role of some kind of "good guy" and you don't typically shoot your own guys. Like in Halo, you're shooting aliens, not the humans that are also present. In that game I think it's actually impossible to kill your teammates, wether that's true or not, it doesn't benefit you at all to kill your teammates. Even games like hitman, about a deadly assassin who literally kills for money, you might think the character is totally without morals, but if you examine the story, he only takes contracts against objectively evil or generally very bad people. Plus you can even be taxed for killing too many guards/enemies and especially if you kill civilians. The point of most games involving violence isn't typically just to spread mayhem and murder, even GTA has an actual storyline

[@kwatschmitsauce]

Adrian: "His friends and family described him as a normal and happy teenager" Adrian: [only shows pictures where Daniel looks like he wants to kill you with his dead shark eyes]

[@Veldrusara]

Lul. 🦈☠

[@ncubekudzanaicindy7557]

True he sure has a scary look

[@kyrohowe3156]

Unintentional humor 🤣

[@adarakelly4733]

😅☠

[@leonardnimoy7]

@@ncubekudzanaicindy7557 I think he looks ill, tired and vacant. Addiction and depressive signs.

[@Betty-qd8st]

He was addicted, and when the object of his obsession was threatened he lost his mind. Addiction is obsession.

[@artisthusnatalal3099]

The boy is evil. How could he tell his parent's to close their eyes to give them surprise then shot them? He knew what he was doing and he's a threat to the society

[@amyartus]

that was so cute with your note for your mom!!!

[@user-qc3be2yy6e]

The irony of being against a “violent game” and storing it next to a gun…

[@jakemva2604]

I played violent video games growing up, and was bullied every single day until I got to high school. I never once thought about using violence to hurt another person. I don’t know why. I have thought on why, but my best guess is that I grew up in a loving and supportive household.

[@nascarplanet9858]

Get higher

[@saturationstation1446]

probably because you were too weak to fight back thanks to the underdevelopment caused by sitting in one spot for thousands of hours and moving nothing except your fingers while eating purely junk food and drowning in soda/beer

[@ronaldlymm7248]

@@saturationstation1446hi troll 🧌

[@jakemva2604]

@@saturationstation1446 when I was in middle school?

[@NickyBlue99]

​@@saturationstation1446 drinking beer and playing games all day when he was in middle school...? And he still had time to go to school to get bullied?

[@blobster91]

I watch a lot of crime documentaries and crime youtubers but nobody talks so passionately about the victims as you do adrian. It isnt just performative and i don't feel awful watching your video because you give the victims the value they so clearly deserve. its not just for views and i appreciate that. i often feel guilty watching true crime thinking of it as entertainment but these are real people with grieving families. Thank you for being one of the good ones.

[@VivaSepulchre]

Oi! blobster 😊 too true

[@livstylerewind]

Have you watched DREADING Channel? He is also extremely respectful & puts the victims first. He's my favorite but this one's close behind😊

[@blobster91]

@@livstylerewind i will check it out. thank you!

[@patersomogyi6672]

Very sad and tragic, you would be a good teacher of this matter for children and teenagers addicted to video games because of your well spoken English

[@thaiscorreaa]

Talking about everything (not only videogames) and setting boundaries is a great deal and helps a lot. Explaining things to children and teenagers (and even adults) with love, patience and care works miracles, people. Let your kids play whatever but set some boundaries: 2 hours a day or less, reading at least a medium book per month, wash the dishes on weekends, do your own laundry, quality time outside... Try to connect fun and obligations together, you will be doing your best to raise moderate and responsible adults

[@splatninja9447]

I think suffering a spinal injury wrecked his life and his dreams. He gained a sense of satisfaction from games, but we all know that satisfaction is fleeting(speaking as an avid gamer) So in his likely depressive state, having the one thing that gave him a pale reflection of the satisfaction of competition taken away, if you noticed his sports pictures, he likely felt crushed, hopeless, and worthless, which I suppose could send him into a psychotic episode.

[@robertajabour3592]

I agree.

[@plantealova5062]

Agree. Not eveyone that is injured, becomes depressed and addicted to a game can murder someone, but for some that could be the recipe

[@SamuraiSx19]

If you look at his eyes it can be seen that he potentially had mental problems. Face reading from Japanese criminology should be added to courses for school teachers and parents so they can prevent from early age potential brutal behaviours.

[@adreadarling]

My partner had a horrible accident and, similarly, became addicted to videogames. However, once he learned how to walk again he spent the majority of his time regaining his strength and getting back out into the real world. It all depends on your personality and how you handle those negative feelings about yourself.

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

This isn't about gaming or guns, it's about control and addiction. This case was a power struggle that escalated to unimaginable heights (depths?). I played Halo 3 around this time and wonder if I played against this kid. Lastly, his father's testimony asking for leniency was touching.

[@imsecretlyfrommars]

I dont understand why but this case is far more disturbing to me than other cases. The excitement in his voice, the obvious bad mental health he had playing games that much, the way you can see the violence in his eyes

[@janinelockett2222]

When i was teen i went through the stage of hating my parents,hating everything they did but not once did i ever think of hurting them never mind taking their lives. Both of my parents have passed away and i miss them more and more eachday. Treasure your parents and tell them how much you love them.

[@rl2388]

I am one year older than Daniel here. In 2007 I was also addicted to an online video game. That was the time when all boys are playing so many online games. Every weekend I spent the whole day going to an internet cafe and play with my friends. I also spent quite a number of hour using my home phone for a dial up internet. But I still have the responsibility to be a student. I got the first rank in my class 😊. I am doing my PhD at the moment. Video game does not equal to bad school life.

[@Nutmeg142]

It’s so sad to me when I heard his sister say how he shot their parents. 😢 I hope she and the dad is doing well today.

[@allendrk8702]

I haven't been watching your videos for awhile

[@WhoanellyNone-bp4sk]

I bet he has no remorse! Especially since he tried framing his Dad! Just pure evil! There is no forgiveness for murder! I’m sure he misses his freedom!

[@zackhickey4922]

The dad did it and framed Daniel. The giant rabbit hole I went down brought me to this video.

[@bobchipman4473]

​@@zackhickey4922 He was shot in the head. How does that work?

[@FoxGoesSquee]

@@zackhickey4922 clown comment

[@reaverfang377]

Some psychos actually don't mind and revel in the 'glory'

[@CrypticCharm]

i remember this case, and it was one of those that everyone said there were no outward signs apart from his obsession with a game, he was mad that it was taken away, and by taking it away, his parents thought they were doing a favour. but his obsession and outlet went too deep for them to realise he needed help

[@saturationstation1446]

games are designed to be addictive, especially for young minds. you'd be incredibly naive to think anything is done in this system for good reasons or with the intention of improving quality of life for everyone. like, you have to ignore all the history of eurocentric culture to think anything we do is for any reason other than consolidating wealtth and power into europe.

[@Flaschenteufel]

​@@saturationstation1446 No not every game is a ripoff or wants to drain you of your bank account or is built around addicting mechanics. Sure there are many, especially as a phone app, but saying "every game is just made to make you addicted" is as stupid as some politicians still lamenting over "killer games".

[@ComradYeltsin]

This man said Battlefield isn't good anymore and I clicked that sub button so fast lmao game was SO GOOD in the early days, 1942 was my jam way back. Great content btw, been binging more than I should haha

[@fishafresh91]

Danny was in my graduating class of 09 from Wellington, he always seemed like a normal kid to me, never would have thought this would happen

[@granttcg]

No “regular” person could justify murder let alone your parents over a video game without some deep rooted undiagnosed issues.

[@oldcat1790]

on the other hand, no regular parent could kick his sick child out of house over a freaking videogame. sounds like religious fanaticism

[@felixrios1600]

I was there when Halo 3 came out, it will kill me to have my friends be playing it and not me. The dad was too strict on the boy. This guy looks like he did have some mental issue or genuinely evil but the dad was being too strict didn’t help

[@felixrios1600]

I remember one time my dad didn’t allow me to go to science camp, and I still hold a bit of a grudge against him on that. All the children my age going and not me, I still feel left out!

[@gomahklawm4446]

Or, he was just a brat that refused to follow the rules of his house.

[@gomahklawm4446]

@Felix Rios His house, his rules, that's how it works. Those video games have adult ratings. Nothing AT ALL wrong with not letting a bratty teen play them.

[@janick41]

Does watching series about cheating inspire cheating in itself? Does watching videos about true crime inspire performing true crime in itself? I mean, we are all human and can be motivated in certain ways. But that doesn't mean we are changing our morality based on the media we consume. Thank you Adrian for another video! Great content as ever.

[@mushfiquealam6895]

I would kill to get your accent bro. It's so soothing to hear you speak your accent

[@jacquelineadams7972]

I want to say that video games are 100% an addiction for some. I say this because IVe literally witnessed my husband and his addiction to them and it’s scary.

[@WolfieDawn]

Did your husband get help?

[@ddjsoyenby]

sadly anything can become an addiction balance is important.

[@Tehrawrzorz]

Addiction is a scary thing. It turns you into all the things you swore you'd never be, and makes you do things you wish you never thought of.

[@RonDaSantis]

I feel so bad for the father. He lost his wife and his son that day. The pain he feels must be incredible.

[@CookiePieMonster]

Didn't lose the son yet, dude got 20-life. As long as he keeps his nose clean and the guards don't suck he'll be out in 20, give or take. I'm no expert btw just speaking based on what I've seen and understand about sentencing and prison life 🤷🏿‍♂️. But what I'm getting at is he's not dead nor is he definitely in for life.

[@RonDaSantis]

@@CookiePieMonster idk. But I kind of meant that part metaphorically. He will never look at his son the same way again. The person he knew as his son, is gone forever now.

[@CookiePieMonster]

@@RonDaSantis Oh, I gotchu. Yeah there is definitely that.

[@joelwillems4081]

And I'd go the other way. If is son killed on that day, he had lost him before then.

[@netflixfaiza6229]

This boy was and is a monster and does not deserve mercy😡😡 and sadly he fooled everyone even the judge 😡😡😡 he should has got the dead

[@hanselmanryanjames]

This happened only 20 miles from me and I never heard about it! Crazy.

[@ChuckPalomo]

The most impactful thing to me about this case was the sister. Daniel clearly intended to murder her too, and if it wasn't for the quick thinking of her husband she would've been. You can't really defend against someone you see as family. The fact that we can hear her speaking when she could've easily been another casualty is somehow chilling, like hearing a ghost. I know it's kind of a weird thing to get hung up on, but she's a very lucky woman.

[@Ani98]

As many in the comments have mentioned, video games don't make you violent and also, I played them growing up too like many have mentioned. I was addicted to GTA San Andreas and my mum hated it because of the violence, but it never occurred to me to do something I've done in the game in real life. I think that it just comes down to common sense and having some degree of emotional maturity/empathy. I feel like the people who play violent games and commit heinous crimes, are just psychopaths.

[@z.z.1876]

I grew up with a much older brother so I played with him games like GTA at an age it certainly wouldn’t be recommonded and yet I’m a very non-violent person… So, I agree that such games don’t turn you into a murderer. I think addiction and some serious mental health issue in general can though. :/

[@woutervanlent5181]

Agree ! And do it again if they are under stress . There should be a database where you can look up witch convictions someone has had . These people are dangerous . Specially for partners .

[@ddjsoyenby]

i love tons of v10l3nt games and have had issues with my (now late) mom and dad, but i never k1ll3d them or hurt them.

[@joen8529]

When I was playing GTA all-too regularly, I went out for a drive while I was a bit short on sleep. While frustrated, I made an illegal u-turn and spanked the curb head on. Knocked the vehicle’s front end completely out of alignment and bent the hubcap. I asked myself later how I could drive that badly or do something so stupid. And the answer was, without question, that the curb didn’t seem like as big of a deal to me, because I was used to just driving over curbs in GTA. That isn’t a hypothesis. That is a FACT.

[@striderstache99]

@@joen8529 no amount of copypasta is going to make you sound believable Joe

[@ashokrayvenn]

I remember my parents threw out my D&D books and accessories when I was a teen because they ran some news segments about the evil of it on TV. I never considered harming my parents. People do evil things---because they are evil.

[@chadwik4000]

Evil is totally subjective. Honestly, people sometimes can't control their anger and lack impulse control resulted in this. The blaming of video games comes off as a con for shucksters and grifters, played on the news to get numbers. It's like how they're dying to get a honest-to-God real person and event they can even point to about White Supremests' threat to everything good, etc. in a halfway believable way for the NPCs, so bad that they're willing to try to force round-shaped scenarios into square-shaped narratives. The Truth is, people kill for any and every reason imaginable, in the 3rd world, where right now and influx of people came from and are constantly entering the United States, as it's politicians on both sides that have sold them out and left the door wide open while they took a nap in their room that was double locked (which has it's own fridge, sink, bathroom and bath, luxuries, etc). If video games were the underlying cause, or even just one of the causes, it would've been so common as to be evident the videogames were responsible in some way, I'd imagine. Anything is possible, but if it were so I'd think you'd be seeing every day. Some guy in FL just killed his dad, mom and one of two brothers over a argument involving his spending the families savings on a video chat girl in some Eastern European Shady-Ass Place and him still calling her. I'm pretty sure someone one killed someone over Chicken McNuggets at some point in history. The TV will often be the first to tell you the Zebra Challenge Version of the Truth. On your folks throwing out your AD&D, I had something similar happen at around 15 in which they threw out all of my CDs and some shirts because they were black. I was super upset, and I didn't kill everyone. The fact that they considered that like it was something I would want to do, and that they went for the easy, knee-jerk reaction without going for insight into what I was actually into and listening to and putting in my mind and why, or what I thought about all of it. It was just "we think you're going down a bad path, etc". When you were born as a accidental mistake it becomes fairly evident pretty quickly, if not even as a subliminal, forever-impression, deep, deep in the lizard part of the brain. Remember to always care for the things you really love in a way in which shows how important they are to you, if not just out of respect but to reinforce a realistic view of how someone feels about them. Especially in this New World.

[@bertrandlewis4906]

Exactly mine tossed out some parental advisory CD's I had as a teenager but never thought about harming her.

[@BlizzardofOze]

I had my Xbox taken away once when I was a kid. I also managed not to kill my parents and try to frame my siblings for the murder.

[@Inspectorzinn2]

The issue here is addiction. He had a strong addition to the video game. And there is plenty of scientific research on addiction showing a strong relationship with violence. Plenty of scientific researching showing that you can be addicted to things like video games. Saying people do evil things because they are evil is like saying drunk people do stupid things because they are stupid. You are ignoring the scientific evidence that alcohol impairs judgment.

[@smoqueed44]

Congrats, you have basic morality. What else do you need attention for?

[@zilphee]

I was lenient with my son about video games. We played them together from the time he was 5. His favorite was Resident Evil 4, then GTA San Andres came out and I bought it for myself. Next thing you know, my son wanted to play. I told him it was an adult game but he'd harass me to play. I figured why not? He was only 5. I didn't think he'd know to do much of anything on the game. Man, was I wrong! One day he was playing GTA and I noticed he was picking the prostitutes up. All of us GTA fans know what happens next, but what my son would do is then beat the girl to death or run over her with the car so he could get his money back. Then he figured out all the cheats, he loved the music even though most of it would be considered inappropriate for a 5yo. I couldn't believe how fast my son picked up the game, and then I felt like maybe I shouldn't have exposed him to it but by then it was too late. I just let him keep playing it, I had already messed up and couldn't take it from him by that point. 😂 My son grew up fine, he never had any real behavior issues or violent tendencies from playing violent video games. I didn't censor things or shelter him. I figured it's better to expose him to the real world to an extent because one day he'll be a member of it, which he is now. He still plays games but he's in college. He works part time and goes to school full-time. He has a stable relationship with a wonderful gal. He's got a lot of friends. I don't think exposing him to video games like GTA had any effect on his development. I understand why some parents are concerned with these games but in my opinion, they're harmless for the most part. This kid in the video was probably more affected by his back injury than he was Halo. His serious injuries at such a young age probably caused him to become depressed and angry and he lacked the coping mechanisms to deal with those emotions appropriately. My 2 cents

[@UKSKIDS]

I have played the most violent videogames when i was very young. Ranging from GTA and Resident evil to Sonic and Mario. And guess what. Not once did i think about taking a life of someone. This young man should be locked up and forgotten about. No excuses.

[@johnmcdevitt4750]

"He regained his health, then eventually, his strength." is so beautifully written. It made me think about the difference between the two, as they're commonly used interchangeably. Thanks for another great case!

[@nephilim6032]

Been playing violent games, DND, and listen to rock music my whole life. Not once did I think of doing anything like this. And I'm sorry, this kids tears didn't move me.

[@infinitedeath1384]

Bro in highschool when I was talking with a friend about Skyrim, a teacher overheard me. I was talking about one of the weapons, and the teacher thought I was gonna bring a knife to school or start a fire 😂. She was Christian too, and a lot of Christians (the overzealous ones) hate video games lol. That probably explains her reaction.

[@wandarask8444]

Absolutely the kid was cooked from birth

[@infinitedeath1384]

@@wandarask8444 Yeah if someone becomes violent "because" of a video game, it's them that's the problem not the game. Like how many gamers are out there, hundreds of millions? And 0.01% of them might kill someone because they're inherently evil. I've been playing horror games since I was a kid, and first person shooters, but I've never thought of killing someone.

[@E2otic]

me too been gaming like since pre elementary school and 30s now still playing with violence video game what judge said is nonsense

[@infinitedeath1384]

@@E2otic Yeah it's the addiction itself that's the problem, not the game. Say that he was instead addicted to something else, and his dad locked that in the safe. Outcome would've been the same.