A 20-year-old man is accused of flying across the country and trying to murder someone he had an online gambling dispute with in a hammer attack.
Edward Kang, 20, flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Jacksonville, Florida, to confront someone he had an online dispute with, according to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper. Court records show he was charged Monday with attempted second-degree murder and attempted robbery.
“I just want you to know, this is weird… some things you just can’t make up,” Leeper said. “There are some things that make you say, ‘What the hell was he thinking?’
The victim, who was not identified, told authorities that he took a break from video games when he saw Kang standing with a hammer above his head in an “attack position.” Her stepfather woke up to screams for help and reportedly found his stepson on the floor struggling with Kang above him.
“The victim and his stepfather were able to disarm Kang and restrain him until our officers arrived on scene,” Leeper said.
Officers responded to a 911 call around 2 a.m. Sunday and found a “significant amount of blood” in the driveway of the home and in the victim’s bedroom when she arrived at the home, Leeper said.
Court records do not list an attorney representing Kang. According to Leeper, Kang is not cooperating with the investigation into the incident.
A preliminary investigation indicates that Kang only knew the victim online, having met her while playing a fantasy video game called ArcheAge. According to the game websiteis closing its servers in North America and Europe this week due to declining user numbers.
Leeper did not elaborate on the content of Kang’s alleged dispute with the victim. Although he has not been identified, Leeper said the victim is “about the same age” as Kang.
Investigators say Kang told his family he was traveling to visit a friend he met years ago. Leeper said it was determined he took an Uber from the Jacksonville airport to a hotel in Fernandina Beach on Friday.
Kang bought a hammer and flashlight at an ACE Hardware store upon arriving in Jacksonville, Leeper said, citing receipts found by investigators.
It is believed Kang entered the victim’s home through an unlocked door. He wore all black, gloves and a mask, Leeper said.
The victim was treated for serious but non-life-threatening head injuries, Leeper said.
“When the suspect was asked why he did what he did, he stated, ‘He’s a bad person online,’” Leeper said. “Talking about the victim.”
Kang also reportedly asked deputies how long a person would be in jail for breaking and entering and assault.
“I would say, Mr. Kang, it will be a long time before you play video games again,” Leeper said.
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
