sterlingice
05-30-2003, 07:05 PM
Attorney Says 'The Matrix' Caused Man To Kill Parents
Story Link (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=353&ncid=353&e=1&u=/ibsys/20030530/lo_kmbc/1639743)
The attorney for a 19-year-old Virginia man accused of murdering his parents with a shotgun says his client was influenced by the movie "The Matrix," KMBC's Peter Barnes reported.
Joshua Cooke was allegedly obsessed with the movie. He had posters and wore the film's signature leather clothes. And the shotgun he allegedly used to shoot his parents to death with this February was similar to one used in the movie.
"At the time he allegedly shot both of his parents, he was dressed in the full 'Matrix' costume. He was in possession of many of the props from the movie," said Rachel Fierro, Cooke's attorney.
Fierro plans to argue an insanity defense for Cooke. That defense has been successful at least twice before. Two people accused of murder have also used the "Matrix defense," and both were found not guilty by reason of insanity, Barnes reported.
"We believe that (Cook) believed himself to be in a virtual reality similar to that of 'The Matrix' at the time the attack occurred," Fierro said.
Cooke is currently in jail, where he has undergone a mental health evaluation. One expert said it is possible "The Matrix" could influence troubled people.
"Maybe someone who becomes extremely depressed and has psychosis is likewise affected by these movies that sort of perpetuate delusions," said Joan Marie Davoli, a law and mental health expert interviewed by Barnes.
But Robert Horan, the prosecuting attorney, is skeptical.
"'The Matrix' has been seen by millions of people and very few have committed any acts of violence as a result of seeing it," Horan said.
Cooke's trial begins in late June.
More linking fun (http://lawpsided.com/matrix.htm)
SI
Story Link (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=353&ncid=353&e=1&u=/ibsys/20030530/lo_kmbc/1639743)
The attorney for a 19-year-old Virginia man accused of murdering his parents with a shotgun says his client was influenced by the movie "The Matrix," KMBC's Peter Barnes reported.
Joshua Cooke was allegedly obsessed with the movie. He had posters and wore the film's signature leather clothes. And the shotgun he allegedly used to shoot his parents to death with this February was similar to one used in the movie.
"At the time he allegedly shot both of his parents, he was dressed in the full 'Matrix' costume. He was in possession of many of the props from the movie," said Rachel Fierro, Cooke's attorney.
Fierro plans to argue an insanity defense for Cooke. That defense has been successful at least twice before. Two people accused of murder have also used the "Matrix defense," and both were found not guilty by reason of insanity, Barnes reported.
"We believe that (Cook) believed himself to be in a virtual reality similar to that of 'The Matrix' at the time the attack occurred," Fierro said.
Cooke is currently in jail, where he has undergone a mental health evaluation. One expert said it is possible "The Matrix" could influence troubled people.
"Maybe someone who becomes extremely depressed and has psychosis is likewise affected by these movies that sort of perpetuate delusions," said Joan Marie Davoli, a law and mental health expert interviewed by Barnes.
But Robert Horan, the prosecuting attorney, is skeptical.
"'The Matrix' has been seen by millions of people and very few have committed any acts of violence as a result of seeing it," Horan said.
Cooke's trial begins in late June.
More linking fun (http://lawpsided.com/matrix.htm)
SI