Communications Technology

Ohio teenager Daniel Petric killed mother over Halo 3 video game

A TEENAGER obsessed with a video game has been found guilty of murdering his mother and injuring his father after they took the game away from him.

Daniel Petric, 17, planned to kill his parents because he was angry that his father would not allow him to play Halo 3.

On the night of the murder, the Ohio teenager used his father’s key to open a box and remove the game, plus a 9mm handgun, the Associated Press reported.

Petric went into a room and said to his parents: “Would you close your eyes? I have a surprise for you.”

Petric’s father, Mark, said he was expecting a nice surprise. Instead, his head went numb from the gunshot, the Associated Press reported.

Mark Petric survived the shooting. Petric’s mother, Susan, died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Defence Lawyer James Kersey said that Petric took the Halo 3 game with him when he fled the scene.

In sentecing Petric today, Judge James Burge said his obsession with Halo 3 may have warped his sense of reality, but rejected the defence lawyer’s plea of insanity.

No Tags

SCHOOLS are being called upon to take immediate action on how children use the internet, in order o make things safer all round.
There is a terrible risk online with harassment and still prevalent for children when they are at school, according to recent research.
In a phone survey of over 1000 youths, 45 per cent of pre-teens aged 6-11 reported being cyberbullied in school, as well as 30 per cent of teens aged 12-17.
The survey, conducted in the US on behalf of web security firm Symantec, highlights the need for more action on the issue as the world marks the 6th annual Safer Internet Day today.
The international event is a chance for companies to highlight their safety initiatives, and this year the focus is on social networks and cyberbullies.

No Tags

MICROSOFT has developed a touch screen operating system that could signal the end of the computer mouse.
Windows 7, a test version of which will be available from today, is part of Microsoft’s attempts to restore its reputation for innovation and to catch up with Apple, whose touch-screen iPhone has been a huge success.
Microsoft says the new version of its software could revolutionise the way we use computers, The Australian reports, paving the way for touch-screen monitors in every home. About a billion people around the world use Windows software.
Users will be able to perform simple tasks such as selecting a folder without using a mouse, and write on the screen with a stylus or finger.
The new Windows system also has a multi-touch feature that will allow more than one person to manipulate objects on the screen simultaneously.

No Tags