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Videogames implicated (again) in fatal Indianapolis shooting

By Stevie Smith Dec 24, 2007, 12:08 GMT

The Indianapolis Star newspaper has added to the recent trend of holding videogames responsible for random acts of violence by running a supposedly videogame-related story that ended in the death of two young men. Another fatal act of gun violence is blamed on videogames? Credit: WorldOfStock.com

Another fatal act of gun violence is blamed on videogames? Credit: WorldOfStock.comThe story: "Video game fight ends in murder and suicide," ran via the online version of the paper on December 22, and reported that 19-year-old Tecoil Jones of North Moreland Avenue fatally shot and killed "acquaintance" Robert Warren (25) of North Illinois Street after playing videogames with him. The shooter’s grandmother, who witnessed the scuffle that took place prior to Warren’s death, said that her grandson ran around the rear of the house after shooting his victim in the head, where he then fatally turned the weapon upon himself.When local police officers arrived at the scene they found Jones’ dead body "with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound," while the weapon itself was lying close to his body.However, nowhere in the report does it state that videogames were the catalyst for the fight between the two men, or that videogames were a motivating influence that led to Jones shooting Warren in the head. The report also lacks any statement from the bereaved grandmother outlining the exact nature of the violent squabble, or any such police statement that might cast gaming in a poor light. It is also unknown as to what the two men were playing at the time and whether it had any relevance in the tragic altercation.Yet, the story’s header suggests that the fatal shooting and suicide were in some way connected to the influence of videogames. Granted, while that possibility remains feasible until investigating parties reveal otherwise, this latest news article only adds to the fear mongering that is being unjustly slung at the feet of the gaming industry at every opportunity by the mainstream media.

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