A 20-year-old man named Edward Kang traveled from New Jersey to Fernandina Beach, Florida, to harm someone he had been playing against in an online video game, per FOX News. Kang specifically targeted a player he deemed a
“bad person”
in the game, ArcheAge, which ultimately led to a violent confrontation. Kang is facing charges of attempted second-degree murder and armed burglary.
The argument between Kang and his victim, who is around the same age, took place within the virtual world of ArcheAge, a popular multiplayer online role-playing game similar to World of WarcrafI, reports note. The two reportedly never met in person before the incident. According to the arrest report, Kang began his travel on Thursday evening. His mother told police that she believed he was visiting a friend he had met through online gaming several years ago.
Kang flew from Newark Liberty International Airport on a Delta flight, arriving at Jacksonville International Airport around 2:00 a.m. on Friday. He then checked into the Ocean Coast Hotel and purchased a hammer and flashlight from a local Ace Hardware store.
The incident unfolded late Saturday night when Kang entered the victim’s home, which was unlocked reports reveal. The victim was playing video games in his bedroom and had briefly left the room to use the restroom. Moments later the victim’s stepfather described being woken up to screams, finding his stepson on the ground and Kang holding a hammer, Leeper said. The victim and his stepfather restrained Kang until deputies arrived at the home.
Leeper said the victim has suffered severe head injuries but he has been released from the hospital.
“The suspect was asked why he did what he did. The suspect stated, ‘He is a bad person online,’ talking about the victim,”
Leeper said.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
