9-year-old Utah boy arrested for allegedly killing father with hatchet, echoing violent video game

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

TOOELE, UTAH: A 9-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the murder of his father, allegedly using a gun and a hatchet during the course of the killing.

Emergency responders were dispatched to the boy's residence in February under the initial suspicion of a man's attempted suicide, subsequently identified as the victim, aged 32.

Authorities' findings point towards homicide in Utah case

However, authorities revealed that the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed in the reports, "was discovered with a gunshot wound to the back of the head and multiple lacerations to his head, face, hands, and arms," prompting authorities to rule out the possibility of suicide.

“Medical personnel at the hospital advised that the lacerations to the extremities appeared to be ‘defensive wounds,'” the warrant stated, as per ABC.

Insights into the tragic shooting

Reports indicate that after the boy's alleged misbehavior, the victim and his son retired to bed early. Subsequently, the boy emerged from the room, alerting others that his father was bleeding from the head and deceased.

Authorities discovered a handgun with a missing bullet and a bloodied tomahawk-style hatchet at the scene.

According to FOX 13, there were multiple individuals present in the residence during the tragedy, including two adult roommates and their four young children.

The individuals informed authorities that the boy would spend “a lot of time” on his cell phone and tablet, engaging in activities such as "consuming content, watching videos, and playing video games."

Concerns arise about child's exposure to violent content and its potential influence

The warrant alleges, "There have been instances where the suspect has viewed videos that were deemed not age-appropriate and shared details of these videos with other children in the home, resulting in discipline."

As per the warrant, the child purportedly participated in a game involving weapons similar to those utilized in the alleged real-life crime, specifically, a gun and a hatchet.

The warrant noted that the child had a penchant for games characterized as "particularly violent."

Authorities have not disclosed any details regarding a potential motive. While the 9-year-old was apprehended, the specific charges against him remain unclear. The investigation into the matter is ongoing.