Boy, 8, shoots own grandmother dead after playing Grand Theft Auto
26 Aug 2013 11:48
The boy intentionally killed his grandmother just after playing the violent video game Grand Theft Auto IV.
An eight-year-old boy shot intentionally shot and killed his own grandmother after playing the violent video game Grand Theft Auto IV.
Marie Smothers, 87, was shot in the back of the head as she watched television in her mobile home in the town of Slaughter, Louisiana.
Smothers, who was helping to look after the boy, was pronounced dead at the scene at the Country Breeze Mobile Home Park.
The child told investigators that he accidentally shot her while playing with a firearm, a .38 caliber handgun that belonged to Smothers.
However, authorities believe that the shooting was intentional, but did not reveal a motive.
They also pointed out that the child was playing Grand Theft Auto IV before the fatal shooting.
The game is rated "M" for mature audiences, is recommended for ages 17 and above, and has been associated with encouraging violence.
Grand Theft Auto IV .
Neighbour Johnnie Scott said: "Where did she have the gun? Where did he see the gun, was it in his eyesight? That's the thought that goes through my head."
Police said that, prior to the shooting, Smothers was close to her grandson. "The victim and the juvenile had a normal, loving, relationship and even shared the same bedroom."
Child psychologist Kristopher Kaliebe said access to a violent video game may encourage aggressive behaviour.
He said: "From a behaviour therapy perspective, I would say that's practising.
"When you have a video game that is shooting at a human being, that is practising shooting at a human being."
The child is currently being looked after by his parents.
Because the boy is under 10 years old, he cannot be charged for any criminal behaviour under Louisiana law.
