Man, 23, 'drove 2,700km to kill teen rival over gamer dispute'
An online gaming dispute has taken a tragic turn after it is believed to be the motive behind a suspected murder-suicide.
A 23-year-old man allegedly drove more than 2,700 kilometres from his home in Pleasanton, California to Texas where it is believed he killed a teenager before returning home after the incident.
Matthew Thane, 18, was fatally shot about 6am (local time) on Tuesday at his home in Flower Mound, Texas.
A Bay Area police official said the suspected killer set a propane tank on fire outside the victim’s house to lure him outside, where he was shot, according to US news outlet The Mercury News.
Flower Mound Police were able to link the Pleasanton man to Mr Thane’s murder after they found evidence on the suspect’s mobile phone.
On Wednesday, a SWAT team moved in to arrest the 23-year-old man they believed to be behind Mr Thane’s murder, but it’s thought he took his own life before he could be arrested.
When police searched the house they found the suspect unresponsive.
Mr Thane’s family and friend have started a GoFundMe page to pay for his memorial.
“Matthew never failed to put a smile on someone’s face and brighten their day. He was such a unique character, one of a kind. Let’s come together and support his family in this time of need,” the GoFundMe page reads.
According to social media posts, Mr Thane was known as “JPN” or “Japan” in the online gaming community and he had a channel on Twitch, a platform where gamers can play live online and others can watch.
One of the aspects police are looking into is if the killing was related to an online gaming dispute, Flower Mound Police Captain Shane Jennings told local media on Thursday (local time).
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
