The Jon Venture

By Jon Venture

Please note, some of this content may be graphic and is not intended for anyone underage.

I refuse to take the journalistic high road on this one… this kid makes me sick.

As reported by Fox 8′ s Kevin Freeman in Cleveland, the sentencing for Daniel Petric took place tuesday morning in a Lorian County Court of Common Pleas by Judge James Burge. Petric, 17, was 16 at the time when he was convicted of shooting both his parents in the head after they took away his copy of Halo 3. Petric was sentenced to life in prison with eligibility of parole in 23 years.

Prosecutors say Daniel Petric had told Susan Petric, 43, and the Rev. Mark Petric, 45, “Close your eyes, I’ve got a surprise for you,” before shooting them and attempting to make it look like a murder suicide.

This is an absolute tragedy, and gives yet another black eye to the gaming industry that could be pointed at during future cases of violence where video games are used as a scapegoat.

“The playing of the video games and the reality of shooting somebody in his case was blinded, it was merged,” defense attorney James Kersey told the court. “He had no thoughts during this process. During this time, he was blinded that his parents might be dead, that they might never come back.”

“His addiction was so strong, was running rampant in a tired, exhausted young man, that anybody or anything that stood between him playing the video game and not having his way was in peril,” Kersey added.

Tragedy still resounding, there was another poignant issue at hand when Judge Burge sentenced Petric, saying that video game addiction was a factor in his final decision.

I believe it to be unfair that games are factored in as a reason for this tragedy, though many will easily point out those connections. I’ve not started a fight due to playing Mortal Kombat, shot a gang member after spending time in Vice City, nor do I curb stop people because I’ve been playing Super Mario games for 20+ years.

There are plenty of gamers who listen to Marilyn Manson, enjoy their Hot Coffee, and snipe enemies in Halo who do not lash in their community.

Responsibility starts at home.

I implore anyone who wishes to comment on the issue to do so, as this affects us all as gamers.

The full story can be found at :

http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-news-daniel-petric-sentenced,0,644171.story